#LifeGetsEasier, Healthier and Fantastico with Maharaja Whiteline Ultimate Juicer Mixer Grinder

Lifestyle and Eating Habits

“Busy life, ever busy schedules and this instant food culture is not taking us anywhere”. As I complained to my husband while taking the elevator, he gave a sheepish smile and offer to take stairs instead.

We were going out for dinner at a famous Punjabi restaurant with friends. Punjabi dinner means loads of ghee, butter and that heavenly oops sugary dessert. My resolution to have just soup and salad went down the Paneer Tikka, Rajma, Biryani and two cups of firni drain. I gave the restaurant a zomato rating of 4 and my eating habits, a minus 40.

And this is not a one-time instance but a repeat offense that needs some corrective, healthy action.

Health focus, Biwi’s Resolution to eat Natural

Day 1: Sunny Side Up: I woke up next morning with a strict resolution to make some healthy salad for Mister’s breakfast and lunchbox. He chose Eggs over Muesli and the salad box came unopened. “I got into an urgent meeting and totally forgot about it” explained my mister who admonishes me for not giving enough fruits for the meal but always chose eggs with sunny side up over oats for his breakfast.

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Day 2: Bowl Bowl Dekko- Notwithstanding my resolution for giving in to schedule, I made a bowl of fresh fruits with dry nuts along his breakfast. A sudden call from his driver hurried him up, leaving my fruit bowl high and dry. I packed the bowl in zip pouch so he can eat on his way and gave him.

Day 3: Juice it up- I took out all the fancy fruit, chopped them up and put inside my mixer and churned. It was a messy affair with sieve while trying to match the consistency of different fruits and veggies. Hmph! took efforts, time and a colourful blotch on the white apron but husband has his dose of a bowl of juice out from a whole basket of fruits.

Day 4: Mein Tera Maharaja, Whiteline- I unpacked my new Maharaja Whiteline Ultimate Juicer, Mixer and Grinder in a bid to make some healthy juices without straining too hard. It comes with a juicer jar and feeder tube that helps you churns any fruit or veggie in a second to fine, meshed juice. At first, I was not so sure so I took out a carrot and put it inside. Swoosh and oops, it graded into finest shred separated tub with juice filling up the Carafe. I put inside a beet, Indian gooseberry, and swoosh, it is done!

  

Quick, Easy and Fuss Free!

It is not magic but Maharaja Ultimate that has 500w power motor with a warranty of 5 years. Other specs- a full apple feeder tube, super sharp blades [be careful] 230V and 50Hz frequency.

Additionally, this comes with 3 jars including a chutney jar that grinds my “idli podi” into finest powder in one click!

I loved the multi-purpose tool and ever since it has become a dear part of my Kitchen. The Red Silver colour oozes beauty against my beige-grey tiled walls. The only thing I didn’t like is the space it takes in my little, open Mumbai Kitchen and the light plastic used. Performance wise, it is a hulk in Red though.

Now every day is not “just a juice” day but Maharaja Whiteline day!

Haute Kutir Rating: 3/5

Juice up your life with,

Haute Kutir

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PS: Sponsored Review but Views are experience based. 

Review of Truefitt and Hill London, Royal Barbershop for Male Grooming in Andheri Lokhandwala

The metrosexual male is gearing up to grooming needs and getting demanding by the square. It is a good sign that is getting well echoed by global brands who reify this lifestyle demands in more structured space. Truefitt and Hill, london is one such iconic brand to reckon in this space.

Mumbai Men are gushing like never before. Afterall, world's oldest luxurious barbershop is expanding its services in the city Heartland. TrueFitt and Hill, with its impeccable lineage and exquisite services, had carved a niche for self, across the globe. Established in 1805, this British Barber Shop stepped Mumbai in May 2014 and had recently opened its 5th shop in Andheri Lokhandwala Boomlet.

Fans of King George 3, Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra, you have a reason to rejoice as can emulate your hairstyle through the same brand which styled your idols. Trufitt and Hill, even caters to the Royal Family of Britain. You can read more about the brand at their website. We are here to entail you a little more about this new male luxury address in town through an experiential haircut service we had. Get ready, chin up and belts off!

Truefitt and Hill- The Ultimate Luxury Now at Andheri Lokhandwala

Fancy a new haircut? Well, top it up with a royal extravaganza and bastion of classic style. Step in, get seated while the professional barber indulges you in a hair enticing grooming sojourn.

Experiential Royale and The Review

Haute Kutir had always promised its readers to bring the select and the best even if that implies fewer features. Our promise took us to this swanky, regal style barbershop, newly opened in Andheri, Lokhandwala. Here's a dekko-

What: Royal Haircut

Where: Truefitt and Hill, Andheri

Service Cost: Rs 2000

Establishment Type: Barbershop, Male only

We booked an appointment on the 1st day of 2016. The appointment was duly designated with telephonic confirmation followed by SMS and a reminder phone call from the barbershop staff. The barbershop is located right in the hub of Lokhandwala [close to our place], providing a good option for the different high profile business and celebrity residents in the vicinity.

The barbershop manager directed us to the designated barber. Yes, Truefit and Hill is not a salon but a barbershop. It doesn't have Stylists but Barbers who are trained rigorously to give you best in class service.

The store: This classy store is built over 465 sq ft yard with a mahogany wood interior creating an effervescent contrast with the chic blue wallpaper. It is equipped with two grooming stations with tall mirrors and an uber-comfortable, ultra luxurious chair.The premise was every inch a masculine province, decked with finesse at every corner. From the outstanding Blue door to tastefully done interiors to well-arranged tools to formally clad barbers, the barbershop was every inch a luxury and a great aspiration for males who take their grooming serious and suave.

Here are some pictures from the barbershop-

The Service: The Royal hair cut was an elaborate hair grooming session which started with Hair Wash, style detailing, haircut, trimming, head massage, hair wash and blow dry setting. The products so used were the in-house T&H brand including their famous C-A-R oil. The service duration was around 45 minutes wherein the client is made to sit in a comfortable leather chair, with a Jeeves-like barber tending to his hair. Bliss! and no Ballyhoo!

Barber Dinesh starts by creating a feel good factor. Barber Dinesh trimming Mayank's hair in the way Mayank wanted, maintaining his usual cut. Mayank is GM Reliance Power who is very particular about his academic/corporate haircut that involves no frills attached styling and, is highly brand conscious. We are grateful to Mayank for his time and allowing us to use his pictures.

Post the haircut, the barber showing the client a glimpse of his trimmed hair for approval or further modification.

The Final look.

The Products Used

Haute Kutir Verdict: The experience was good and worth its salt. Truefitt and Hill is worth trying out and if you liked the services, they offer a unique membership plan too. Our first experience was good and basis that we do recommend a service visit.

Haute Kutir Rating: 4.5/5

A small note of appreciation before we signed off. So, next time when you think about male grooming, haircut or even a shave, do step into Truefitt & Hill. The experience is worth the money, your time and your hair.

After all, why should women have all the fun?

Go Vroom, Go Groom
Ekta
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Review of New Whisper Ultra Clean Sanitary Essential

What would be your first recall when I say- Better Dryness and 1000 suction holes? Even better, if I also add to it- Your white remains more white?

Before you throw that second bout of the furtive glance or sensationalize me, let me tell you that I am talking about Sanitary Napkins. Phew!

I have written about the Whisper blog event with actress Kalki Koechlin, Gynaecologist Dr. Palshetkar and Whisper R&D Head Chetan. Click here to read it-

Living up the promise to come back and tell you the feature of new Whisper with a personal review, am here to share our experience too.

Whisper Ultra is an undoubtedly, most preferred sanitary pad for every woman across the country. Learning about improving the best, certainly buzz you with excitement and hope. And in one of the two rarest occurrences, you actually wait for your next cycle to come to try it out ;)

Review of Whisper Ultra lean

What: New Whisper Ultra

Why Sanitary Napkins- In my journey fo life, I have met [still] few people who debate, discount the usage of a sanitary napkin, crushing it under the pile of traditional menstrual clothing and sickening myths. Hoping that some of them read this post, I want to convey that a sanitary pad is an integral part of a girls' life and utmost important for the menstrual cycle.

What sets the New Whisper Ultra Apart from its existing Namesake?

According to the brand:

1. Five times more protection than ordinary pads
2. Better absorption and lasts longer  
3. Softer Top cover for more comfort
4. Faster absorption for sudden heavy flow
5. Odour lock

Haute Kutir Review: Whisper is the regular brand in my toilet bag. I have been using the brand since time innuendo that even when I was packing my bags for my Goa trip [#HauteKutirInGoa] I placed my bet on new Whisper Ultra even without having used it earlier. It was a much-coveted trip wherein I wanted to go absolutely wild on a vagabond. We have made a list of different North Goa beaches that we want to frequent. And on my wayfarer trip, last thing I wanted was a messy sanitary napkin and red stains. Thankfully the new Whisper ultra did not let me down at all. Did it live it promise so well?  Let's see-

Yes, It provided higher protection than its previous version.

Yes, it had better absorption and it did last longer especially when we spent the entire day in a beach without having a proper place to change. It still lasted that long

And one of the best things was- the new improved cover was softer than before, preventing any skin rashes for the period.

So if you are still wondering whether to choose New Whisper or not, all I will say is- You Go Girl!

For more details, check- www.rewardme.in/whisper

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5 New Ways to bring in Pongal and Prosperity this Year

Pongal- The festival of Harvest

India is a land of cultural diversity, festivity, and agriculture. India is an agriculture prime country and a lot of our festival echoes our sentiments towards it. Pongal or Thai Pongal is one such festival celebrated by the Tamil community across the world. It is a 4-day festival that celebrates the harvest and is also a form of appreciation conveyed to Sun God for providing the energy for agriculture growth. Pongal corresponds with another similar festival in North India called Makar Sakrant. 

Pongal is on cards. It is that time of the year when the sun starts its journey to the northern hemisphere. We celebrate it with great enthusiasm and the fresh new harvest.  It is primarily celebrated for 4 days starting from 13th January to 16th, sometimes from 14th January to 17th of the January month. The festival has its own traditional approach to celebrations which primarily begins by boiling the first Rice of the harvest with sweet milk in a Pongal dish. 

Celebrating Pongal

Pongal is primarily a Tamilian festival, however, different people from different parts of India celebrate it by just another name. While we are sure everybody has their own way of bringing the Sakrant/ Pongal festivities, here's sharing 5 different ways to bring in Pongal irrespective of the city you live in, religion you follow, while following some of the basic rituals still intact. So, let's celebrate the festival of harvest and send our appreciation to Sun God, in little Tamil and more Indian way, with a difference-

1) The Margzhi Kolam Way- Clean the house and the surrounding floor and embellish it with Kolam- traditional, decorative rice flour Rangoli. We can embrace this culture by living the "Swachch Bharat" movement in the areas nearby. Let's vow to take up a particular area in the city especially the backward and work towards getting it clean and decorated with colorful Rangolis. If you do not know how to make Rangoli, buy those amazing stencils as available in the market.

2) The Bhogi or the Joy of Giving way- They say absorb what is useful, discard what is not. This Pongal throw a thorough glance at your home and make a list of different items under these categories-

 2a) Things that are of immediate or regular use

 2b) Things that you haven't used in the last 6 months like clothes, utensils, books or so

 2c) Things that you haven't used in last 1 year or so

 2d) Things that are the waste, damaged and unrepairable.

Now, examine the items in 2b and 2c and carefully evaluate if you really need those stuff in your house or would it be better to give it away to someone who may not have it or need it. Since you are not using it, someone else may make a better use of it rather than it lying wasted/getting rot and using unwanted space. I use that for my clothes, makeup, shoes, and utensils. Management Gurus calls it "Seiri" and you can adopt it as your Pongal Giveaway Ritual. Also, you can make use of ongoing "Sale" season to buy new clothes for not so privileged one. There is nothing as fulfilling as "Joy of Giving".

Oh! about 2d? Well just find a better, environment-friendly way to discard them. 

3) Thai Pongal or the Winter Solstice Way- This is the main day when families gather and celebrate the day with prayers and in an abundance of food and festivity. An occasion to meet and greet your long lost friends, family, and acquaintances and surprise them by throwing a nice Pongal theme house party. Decorate your home in the traditional way, put Rangoli, flowers and cook healthy yet salivating authentic Indian food, made from fresh harvest. A personal party with food and chat is a great way to bring along the festivities especially in busy city lives.

4) The Green Earth Way- We take so much from the Earth, the sun, the winds that work selflessly to help us sustain our life. Since Pongal is an appreciation of Lord Sun, let us take this appreciation a notch ahead by planting more trees on Earth. Yes, let us go Green and set a new trend by planting more Trees so prevent natural calamity like recently concluded Chennai Floods.

5) The "Kaka pidi, Kanu pidi" or Gluttony Way- Our festival marks great feasting with festivity. It is time to prepare some authentic Indian food this Pongal like- Sakkara Pongal [Sweet Rice], vegetable bowl, Til-gud [Sesame-jaggery laddus] and peanut bars. Go explore your culinary imaginations, create if you must, infuse new ideas, make fusion dishes and feast on. Feed healthy and clean food to cattle stock or other stray animals. 

Traditionally, in Kaka pidi women and girl place a feast of color rice, sweet Pongal, banana and cooked vegetables on ginger/turmeric leaf for crows to enjoy. This ritual is to pray for the stronger bonds between siblings aka "Kanu Pidi". 

The festivals bring in a lot of goodness from our art and culture. An important thing that you should keep in mind during the feasting and festivity is about food safety too. A lot of time food gets contaminated within our house due to pests like cockroaches. Cockroaches crawl into our house from the drain and hide in the nooks and corners of the kitchen. Being nocturnal, they get out of their hiding place in the night and crawl over any open food and utensils lying around in your kitchen and thus contaminating them. Therefore, use LAL HIT, the only solution that can kill even the hidden cockroaches with its unique deep reach nozzle.

The festival is, after all, celebrating with fun, food, and family. Hope you have a great Pongal ahead! 

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Haute Kutir wishes, all its readers a very Happy Pongal!

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#OwnThose5Days Whisper Bloggers meet with Kalki Koechelin

Years back when I have written how "every woman has right to sanitary" for TedTalks, I have not just highlighted about breaking the taboo but also about providing an access to every woman towards hygiene, especially during the menstrual cycle. 

Menstrual haaw! may be a taboo word but as a woman, as a girl in the society that I am, the social taboo was never a challenge for me. I have seen through some myth and ostracism attached to it, but it wasn't my bigger problem as the whole menstrual cycle was or is.

Reflection and Requip

If I reflect back today, the only thing associated with Menstrual Cycle that bug me most is the "mess and physical pain" that came complimentary with it. Thanks to my well-educated, high thinking parents, I was always supported and supplied with all kinds of support that sought during those "5 days". One of the biggest support was the access, availability and 100% adaptability of proper Sanitary napkins, a privilege that I see numerous other girls/women in the country, lacking even today. 

If "Chums" is more politically accepted or widely used, sophisticated word for those 5 days, let me tell you "sanitary napkins" are actually your best "chum" for those 5 days, #BumChums totally! Want to know about one of my best friends that helped me sailed through those 5 days? Well, read more to know more...

#OwnThose5Days With Whisper, #BlogEvent

One of my best #BumChum that sailed me through all those painful 5 days is- Whisper Sanitary Pads for Female. Ahoy, it and no it did not tell me any joke to keep my mood light but it helped me to not become a joke. While, I moved on with my life "like a human who is also a woman", It was Whisper that was and still is a preferred "marathon" partner for my run so far. 

When Whisper invited me for the launch of their new ultra clean, I was all limbs to go and learn more about this new improved version. 

The event began with a vivacious Aditi Mittal taking the stage and talking about few menstrual myths and Whisper's campaign on "Touch the Pickles" among other related moments of guffaws and "aww you said it right" moments. Joining her on the stage was Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, a renowned gynaecologist, Chetan Kotyalkar- Whisper R&D head and an ever effervescent Kalki Koechlin, the new gen actress. Together they launched the New Whisper Ultra Clean. Here are few glimpses from the event-

Whisper team also took us through a hilarious yet thought-provoking video project- Like A woman. You must see it, to believe it. 

Yes seeing is believing and to accentuate that, next came a life demo session where Chetan has very gracefully taken us through "absorption" test of various sanitary napkins as available vis a vie The New Whisper. He took some popular brands from market and demonstrated the soaking ability of each, convincing that Whisper has the highest capability built even for heavy flow

So what is about this new Whisper? Well, stay tuned to our blog to know more about it including a quick review of the same.

In the meantime, do check out this exclusive video with Kalki Koechlin who wants to drive down a message to all you lovely girls out there. 

 <video>

Let's not mince our words when it comes to female sanitary, hygiene and suggested comfort in those 5 days. Hush out that whisper and rush into Whisper to #OwnThose5Days.

Remember, before boardroom, bathroom or bedroom, this is where women empowerment begins! I call it- being comfortable in your own pants!

Happy days are Here Again!

Haute Kutir/ Ekta

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Five Dorothy Perkin Outfits you can't resist Shopping

Last year I told you how much am I in love with Dorothy Perkins, the clothing brand. The cuts, the silhouettes and the styles never cease to impress me and go drooling.I love the brand so much that when Jabong emailed me about the current 60% of on their labels, the first thing that I checked was Dorothy Perkins.

 A lot of you have written to us asking for some cool fashion trends and option to buy from. So for all of you lovely people out, here are 5 outfits that I found absolutely fab and must to have. Check it out-

1) The Brown A-line Skirt

We loved the multi-color zig-zag print that accentuates the overall look of the skirt and makes it ah so wearable with different colored tops. The best way to pair it is with a short, plain top of any color of your choice. This trendy and smart skirt is made of stretchable Viscose Spandex. 

2) Blue Colored Striped Skater Dress

We absolutely loved the cool colour play of blue and hues in this cotton spandex dress. It is ideal for brunch, parties and hanging around. Oh yes, you can wear it on your day date as well. The best way to style this dress is in bare essentials like white heels, a chic bracelet, and a neckpiece. 

3) Orange Solid Blouse

After the blue, it is time for another favorite color- Orange. Orange is one color that adds necessary warmth and vibrancy to your dressing and styling. The best way to wear Orange is to neutralize it with soft colors like white and denim. 

Let me confess that I am such a fan of white and black that a lot of my outfits are either pure white, pure black or the mix of both. The upcoming season is all about colors and finding a good outfit in a warm color like Orange is hard to find. This top fits the bill to the T and is planning to buy this one to pair with my white jeans and ear danglers.

4) Blue Print Dress

I am an impulsive buyer who is not up to shop for hours. The dress or the garment had to really win my attention in the first look. Strangely enough, whatever I like is if not white or black & White, is blue these days. And given the royal and charming proposition that color blue throws in for you, blue outfits are piece de irresistible. To top of that, if it has floral prints, it will sure to enchant you. Something like this dress-

This floral print chic dress made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, is a stylish pick for urban women. It is those types of dress that you cannot go wrong with. Go ahead and pick one for your wardrobe. Style it with your hair kept open and interesting pump shoes.

5) Multi printed Shrug

We talked about Skirts, tops, and dresses. Next in line is a piece of clothing that can make any of your regular dress interesting if paired well. We are talking about Shrugs. This multi printed shrug is a wonderful piece of cloth that you can pair with any of your solid color trouser, skirt or denim and it makes for a great casual look. 

The shrug is elite and comfortable. I loved the quirky prints on it and will love to pair it with my usual trousers.

Well, that was our quick 5 choices from Dorothy Perkins. Do let us know your favorite from the list.

Fashionably Yours,

Haute Kutir

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Lets Rewind #2015 with Haute Kutir Blog

"What are we without our dreams? We can fly even with our broken wings. All we need is little inspiration and lot of faith in good things to come"

                                                                                                              Ekta Khetan

2015 The Year that it was

Whoa! what an eventful year, 2015 was! Like a true Bollywood Masala pot-boiler, it was filled with action, drama, romance, comedy and a mixed bag of experiences. Let's see it as the story of my 2015 life, a picture at a time. Off course, keeping it short and simple with the highlights.

Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai- Water Sports in Aquamagica and Vagator Beach
This year I took a plunge at water sports with aplomb. Aquamagica and Water Scooter in Vagator beach. Two different experiences but totally worth their salt.

Swimming with Piranhas makes you hungry
I am a water baby and swimming is something that fascinated me since childhood when my mum used to take us to the swimming club. So when we were booking our room with Doubletree Hilton Goa, the only request that we made was to book a room with a pool view. Men! I swam for almost 2-4 hours a day and it was every dip a great fun. Leave your water fears aside and Go Swimming!

Panel Discussion with Adfactors PR

I was in the middle of a long interview when the agency of the year and PR major- AddFactors PR invited me to be part of their expert panel and speak on blogging to their live audience in office and branches across the country. It was a wonderful experience given the loaded schedule that day when I had to shuffle between a long-planned beauty shoot and the panel discussion to stimulate intelligent conversations. Phew did you notice my gel nails?

Cinderella Movie Preview with Disney and Blogadda

I was having a dull day when Blogadda pinged me for a special pre-release screening of Disney's Cinderella at the latter's office. It was a lovely cinematic experience that I had.

Food Trail with Romedy Now

When Romedy now invited me to form a team and participate in their food trail, we just could not resist. We spent a never before day doing restaurant hopping and food challenges that Team Romedy Now bestowed upon us. Here's the Team JEP_ Just Eat paaji in picture

Shifting houses and changing addresses
After 2 months of house hunt, we moved from Malad- Kandivali west link road to a sexy new apartment in Andheri West. This beautiful abode is designed by Mr Contractor himself, with big french windows opening to vast blue sky. Now You know from where do I get my inspirations from?

Karwa Chauth and Cake Mixing

Strange it may sound but two days back to back fasting could not deter me travel across the city from my home to my cousin's home, doing pooja, picking my niece and joining in the fun-filled cake mixing ceremony at ITC Sahar. 

Influencer Panel with Lenovo

Sooner or later, your work pays. So when Lenovo planned to launch new Phablet in the market, it started with few influencers over a roundtable discussion. The meeting at the Dolby office was highly intellectually stimulating and connected me with some cool tech and video bloggers who loved to hear my tech and non-tech, strategy viewpoints. We were rewarded with this piece de resistance to try, test and revert with feedback months before the launch. Total a fun experience.

Navratri Shoot with MyGlamm
It was a fun shoot I had with MyGlamm, a bespoke beauty service in town. They invited me to their lovely incubator to shoot for a look post for a Pink theme and I loved every part of it. The shoot also marked my first official nail art with gel nails extension.

Missed nominations at #WIN15 Awards
After being nominated in top 5 in creative writing for 2 successive times, my blog www.numerounity.com missed the coveted prize again this year. This broke my heart but I nursed it back. Some other time, some other place :)

My Goan Holidays
Finally some holidays after long contemplation and cancellation of much-awaited vacation to Sikkim. We played on guts and made last moment trip to Goa, a beautiful union territory that I last visited in Y2K and had been contemplating to go. The sunburn and bad health could not deter me from exploring the nooks and corners on the lovely Vespa that we hired. go, Vroom Vroom.

2016 The Year That will be

New Year to some is a mere change in e htcalendar while for some it is new beginnings. for me, it spells hope. As you can see I had a good year with 2015 that was mixed with emotions, fun and lot more. One stark event in the year gone by was me quitting my job after 2 years of contemplation to take a sabbatical. A sabbatical that I plan to end in New Year 2016

Unlike other years, I started 2016 on resolution mode. . I actually took a dirty dozen list of OFIs [Opportunities for Improvement] for self and scribbled down on my definite attempts to work upon them. One such goal is- fitness. Good food, gastronomy notwithstanding, I am gonna try indulging in healthy detox too. yeah, and my year started with detox water that I made for self. The only thing is to ensure continuity

So 2016 be sweet, be a sweet 16 to me:)

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