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!

Royal Orchid Resort | Bangalore | India

We recently had the privilege of visiting the Royal Orchid Resort at Yelahanka, Bangalore. After the crazy pace that life had been running at, this was such a welcome relief! Although a short getaway (lack of vacation days again), it was totally worth it. 

The resort itself was gorgeous without being over-the-top. Its relaxing beach-y vibe put our minds to rest even as we entered it. The place was well-maintained - exceeding expectations - and the staff went out of their way to ensure that our stay was pleasant.

For starters, the rooms were great!

The balcony and the view...

What stole the show was the bathroom - Gorgeous rich fittings which had a spa-like air.

The clear wall took some getting used to - but fortunately there was a screen curtain to cover that up! Although the experience of a bubble bath while watching the TV in the outer room was unforgettable! Not too many photos of the room as it was hard not to jump into the soft, comfy bed right away and order room service ;)

We decided to step out for a late evening walk after a while and stumbled into a whole lot. There was an outdoor pool for all to enjoy in, along with a multitude of other facilities for guests, including a gym, badminton court, indoor games and a beautiful park to enjoy nature walks. 

It started raining heavily after this, but not on our vacation. We had freshly made kebabs at the outdoor grill station at 9th Mile restaurant:

Followed by Indian Chai tea and snacks at the porch cafe. (Yes I know, full vacation mode!)

It was so calming to watch the rain lash out in all directions while we sat inside and sipped on hot tea - the ultimate Indian go-to comfort experience! 

I especially liked the way the reception area was decorated. I went ga-ga over these beautiful vintage fans:

And these gigantic lamp shades - so perfect for a bar or a kitchen island in a large-enough home!

We went for the buffet and were not disappointed. The large selection and variety of freshly prepared dishes was designed to suit and be enjoyed by every taste.

The breakfast buffet was both filling and tasteful as well. After a round of morning badminton and breakfast, we approached the checkout time and it was a sad time.

Although we were there only for a day, it was not difficult to settle into the place like home and wish to never leave! I even decided to go for the Royal Orchid membership just in case. 

Good-bye Royal Orchid, I will be back soon :)