I So Love Punk!

I've been obsessing over spikes and rivets for no less time now. While I've been known to own a fair share of punk and get a little too lost in Rock, I still can't get enough of it! I couldn't be happier that its O.K to wear the spiky, the studded and the shiny without being feared a bit ;)

Speaking of happy, here's a glimpse of my ever-standing inspiration:

More punk coming soon!

A Stumble Upon The Culinarium | Ooty

I've been bitten by a travel bug lately. I was back to Ooty with the family a few days ago. Of course, I visited all my favorite spots (note: Hotel Sherlock), did a lot of chocolate, tea, spices and oil shopping, went to my favorite flea markets and basically went nuts on the town! The weather, as usual, was delightful, whatever season it may be. 

This time around we decided to explore a little further up to Coonoor and check out the acres of tea estates. While Coonoor turned out to be breathtaking as expected, on our way back we stopped at a tiny cafe - easily missed from the road - that totally blew my mind! A retreat amidst the blue mountains, The Culinarium had all the right offerings for the excited, change-seeking traveler. 

We were welcomed by a beaut paved path leading to the entrance (Note the yellow umbrellas in the blue French vase)

At the entrance was a bakery, as one expects, but towards the left was a tiny outlet flanked with the latest fashion by Sue London, India's only outlet! The display had a variety of items by Sue London, including their much known collection of Lip Coin Purses.

On speaking to the staff, we got to know that the cafe was co-owned by a French resident and nearly everything there flew in from Paris!

The cafe was a delight to spend time in, in more ways than one. For starters, the place had a touch of French decor with a view of Indian mountains. There were huge windows on three sides which let you gaze at the green mountains while sipping your tea and eating your tea cakes and leaving your troubles behind!

This was how it looked from our table:

I was especially in love with these cutesy painted lamps! I'm not much of a home & decor girl, but I like my colorful and shiny ;)

#Notetoself - Find them in India and hang them everywhere!

Check out the interesting fireplace in the center of the cafe.

Towards our right was a summery bar that supplier the freshest mocktails and coffee. I'm totally digging the yellow accents.

And now for the best part, the FOOOOOOOODDDDDDD!! We went nuts and ordered these YUM treats:

Broccoli Quiche

(The best ever) Chocolate Eclair

Chocolate Macaroon

Strawberry Tart

We were running a little late and had to rush as even then I was eyeing more exotica at the bakery counter. Can you blame me?

Even the little sugar packets for the evening tea looked daintily French.

I think I've said all I could at the risk of sounding like a complete #Foodie, but it made for a great time and some pleasant memories. Its quite an experience in the midst of the natural beauty and you should definitely try it should you visit Ooty.

P.S check out their Facebook page - I didn't get to see it after dusk, but seems to be even more beautiful!

DIY Recycled Skull Studded Scarf

I occasionally, when the time and stars are right, decide to open my closet and put my hand deep in, beyond the darkness. On most days, this activity turns out to be an exercise in futility. On other days though, something pops out that makes me remember "Oh! I have this!". Some of my cupboard conquests turn out to be successful, while others make me think, "What the hell was I thinking?". Some just don't appeal to me as much as they did. These two tops are exactly that.

Here's what you'll need:

• Unwanted studded clothes
• Wanted non-studded scarf :)
• Screwdriver
• Fabric Glue

Here's how you can do it:
 

Step 1: With a screw-driver, gently push apart the studs from the top. This will work with glued on studs.

 

Step 2: Keep pulling until you have all the studs handy.

 

Step 3: Lay out the scarf on a flat surface.

 

Step 4: With a crayon/glue, mark out the areas on the scarf where you want the studs. I chose a simple symmetric pattern.

 

Step 5: At the marked points, put a 1-2 drops of fabric glue and place the stud straight on.

 

Step 6: Continue the same all over the scarf. Allow to dry for 24 hours and iron on reverse, as per instructions given on the glue.

 

And you have a punk-y studded scarf !

 

DIY Jewelry Recycle Series : Part 6 - Watch Strap Cuff

I've been saving a couple of old watch straps for ages, forever thinking about things I could do with them. It wasn't until I saw this watch strap cuff here at ASOS that I thought, "Bingo!". Though inexpensive, its such a cool way to use up those pesky leftover watch straps! Don't ask me how I ended up with them in the first place, I hope you'll see soon. :)

Here's my inspiration:

Now, here's what you'll need to make your own version:

•  A couple of metallic bangles (I used an old pair)
• A watch strap
• Super - Glue (or E6000)
• Heavy Duty pliers

Step 1: Cut off the watch clasps using the plier. This step is going to take some effort unless you have an extra pair of helping hands.

Step 2: With the pliers cut the bangles at their joint.

Step 3: Create about an inch gap in the bangles.

Step 4: Put a thin line of glue on one of the bangles and gently place the other one on top of it. Wait to dry.

Step 5: Start attaching the smaller watch strap first. Once semi-dry, turn the bangle over and put another few drops of glue to seal from the back.

Step 6: Glue on the longer strap in the same fashion.

And your watch cuff is ready. Sand the edges a little if required.

Great for layering with other bangles!