Thursday 29 December 2016

Top New Year Destination for Couples - Make a Tradition !

With new year around the corner, Break the regular and the ordinary and start a new tradition. Remembering the ups and downs of this year, bid an adieu with the most awaited trip and welcome the power-packed new year. Unlike the rest, make a tradition that matches the destination you choose. Pack up your bags, buckle up and uncover your tradition.

Listing the top few destinations for you -

PARIS - City of Love, one of the top destinations for the couples for new year eve. A Spectacular light show and firework display is the perfect way to welcome the new year. Dozens of people around the bars and flooded clubs, wine and kisses are your chosen way of celebration. Cruises can also be booked for couples who demand privacy. ;)

Make a tradition - Romantic couple choosing this place should make a tradition of taking out their partners on surprise date every month followed by gifts and a long drive if the time permits.


NEW YORK - City that never sleeps, chosen destination for millions of people who are party goers. Confetti is released in the sky, turning the magical party spree, on. Counting down the seconds to midnight, a glittering ball drops down the flagpole at Times square building. Couples party hard, scribble their resolutions on the wishing wall and embrace the new year. Fun frolic and party is the chosen way.

Make a tradition - Couples opting this destination are party lovers and can start a tradition of partying hard every fourth saturday of the month. This rejuvenates the spark in the relation and brings two people closer.
 

SYDNEY - Harbour City, perhaps the chosen destination for waterfront lovers. Sydney harbour bridge and the Opera house marks a striking show at midnight amidst the largest firework display, amazing aerial acrobatics and an aboriginal smoking ceremony, with plethora of illuminated boats at the harbour.

Make a tradition - Couples choosing sydney are food lovers and should make a tradition to hit new eating joints every month. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach and one must try different cuisines and strengthen this bond forever.


RIO DE JANERIO - City of carnival festivities. Millions of people are cramming into sand and enjoy the brazilian celebration that blends the religious, traditional and superstitious beliefs. Concerts, live performances and fireworks complete the final look and feel of the celebration.

Make a tradition - Couple choosing this destination are fun loving and should make a tradition of indulging in different games and activities. For Eg: Board games, puzzles and question games, making pillow forts, marshmallow fights etc, can be real booster for sprinkling love.


HONG KONG - City of dramatic skyline that lights up every year with a dragon dancing across the sky. The city experiences ball drop, replica of NewYork festivities. Locals and visitors enjoy the parties at bars, roof tops, cruise and boats. 

Make a tradition - Couple choosing this destination can start a tradition of couple massage every month. It will not only let you spend more time with your mate but is a relaxing experience with your spouse.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year !!

Tuesday 27 December 2016

Top 10 things to do in the first year - Newly-Wed Bucket List

Happy is the man who finds a true friend and far happier and luckier is the one who gets to live with his friend as his Wife forever. Marriage is a beautiful bond that brings two people all the more closer, wherein both need to accept each other the way they are, be it perfections or flaws. First year being the most crucial year, newly weds should opt making a bucket list. It sounds fancy and trust me its all worth it.

Newly Weds Bucket List -- Here we go :-

  • Plan a Dream Vacation - Post your honeymoon, dream together and plan a vacation to a distant land that both of you would have dream't about in your childhood. You will get to live your memories with your forever partner.
  • Pick a Joint Hobby - Enroll for any new stuff that can keep both of you engaged. Be it any learning class or an NGO or a task that can be done together. You will get to spend quality time and will learn to appreciate qualities of each other.
  • Celebrate small milestones - Remember dates and surprise your mate. Be it month anniversaries or birthdays or festivals or any random day, surprises in any form are always welcomed and known to strengthen the bond forever.
  • Weekend spontaneous plans - At times spontaneity works. Weekend trips, or unplanned movies, plays or any events works quite well. You can go for trekking or cycling or any other sports activity to indulge in as well. A visit to a regular favourite place, eg: coffee shop or a lounge can also work quite good.
  • Make a home together - Let your partner decorate your home or may be your own room his/her way. Shop things together and try fitting in the liking's of both. this will let you know more about your spouse and also will help you agree to occasions wherein there is difference of opinion.
  • Make Investments for your secured future - Small savings for better future. You can start living more as a couple when you see things down the line together. Nothing better than this can give you a feel in this competitive world.
  • Make goals - Sit down and pen the list of things you wish to accomplish together. It can be your individual dreams but turns out best when accompanied with your spouse. You will not only learn to value others goals but also strive for completion as if they were yours.
  • Play, watch, read, drive, sing @ together - During free times, plan to read book series together or watch any TV series, sing your favourite songs out loud or play games at home. The kid in you is always alive and kids are known to gel fast the most. Try the kids way out in first year and the way would last forever.
  • Ignore the Flaws and Appreciate the efforts - Remember marriage isn't tying knot between two perfectionists rather its knowing and loving the other person as it is. Appreciate small things and try to ignore or forgive mistakes of your spouse. Do not let bitterness creep in your relation else it would be hard to come back at the same comfort level.
  • Without Saying- Hugs and Kisses - This goes without saying, hugs and kisses should always be a part and parcel of your life to keep the spark and momentum going forever and ever and ever.


Happy Married Life to All !!!

Sunday 25 December 2016

Neemrana - Delhi Weekend Gateway

With the onset of holiday season, I thought of penning down my Neemrana experience, one of the favorite weekend gateways from Delhi. Neemrana is situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. The state has beautifully built forts and palaces that depicts the rich culture and heritage.

Me and my husband drove from Delhi to Neemrana and it took us about 2 hours to reach. Situated at a distance of 122 Km, in middle of barren land, the fort is a treat to the eyes. It is a site of the 16th century and was occupied by the Chauhan rulers until 1947. There is a specific parking lot and the fort also have rooms for the overnight stay. Do remember to make advance bookings for your ease. The entry charges are 1900 with a delicious buffet lunch. Caution: Outside food is not allowed inside the fort :P. 

Best time to visit Neemrana is from Sep - March as the weather is quite pleasant in this duration. An ideal duration stay would be 1 day or max overnight stay.

Below are couple of shots that were captured by me. Until then bye and stay warm in these winters.



Neemrana Fort
Paintings
Grand Entrance
Royal Passage

Soaking the sun

Delicious Lunch Buffet
Mini Pool ;)

Main Pool :P

Coffee calling

Glittering Water

Heritage at its best

Scenic view ... way back home :)

Hand Made Cards - Quilling

Hey Everyone ...

Hope you all are doing well in this winter season of merry and love. Each one of us would be busy gifting friends and relatives, so I thought of sharing some pics of quilled cards made by me for my loved ones. These are easy to make and leave a long lasting impression on your dear ones.

Things Required -
  • Strips of Colored paper of your choice
  • Base Sheet of your choice
  • Quilling Tool
  • Scissor
  • Glue
  • Colored/ Glittered Pens
Pics of the Greetings cards -
Card for your Loved ones <3
Celebrate Friendship !!!

Santa Jacket :D

Merry X-Mas

Birthday Wishes :)

Saturday 24 December 2016

Shimla - Queen of Hill Stations

Last month, it was a wedding season and I had to visit Shimla to attend my friend's wedding. Considering the onset of winters and the upcoming weekend I planned to convert it into a wedding vacation ...Yipeee ... 2 hours and the tatkal bookings and hotels were all checked, bags packed and we were ready to explore Shimla !!


Day 1 - 19 November, 2016
With the much excitement on, we left New Delhi on Saturday morning in Shatabdi and arrived at Kalka around 11:50AM. Boarded a sharing cab to Shimla and off we were on the zig zag trails. The weather was super pleasant, chilly winds and little sunshine welcomed us to the crowded mall road of Shimla. We trekked onto our hotel which was near to the ridge - Hotel Shiwalik regency, pretty average one, we got a good deal though :P. Tired and exhausted, we crashed onto our beds for almost 3 hours. Post the evening snacks we strolled at the ridge, sneaking the Shimla's dazzling night view. Had a light dinner at the Sher-e-Punjab restaurant at the mall and we walked back to our hotel.


Day 2 - 20 November, 2016
Rising with the morning sun is fun when you are at a hill station. The cool breeze and the sounds of the winds is a heaven to experience all together. We had our breakfast at the Wake and Bake Cafe (near the Ridge) and strated to explore the Shimla Heritage Walk. With a total distance of 2.5 Km one way, it was fun to experience all the major attractions of Shimla. Listing them for you below. Pics of each attraction would be followed by the end of the post.

Top 5 Major Attractions -

  • The Ridge
  • Rashtrapati Niwas
  • Jakhoo Mandir
  • Christ Church
  • The Mall Road

Heritage Walk Points -

1. Scandal Point
2. General Post Office
3. St. Andrew's Church
4. Bantony
5. Grand Hotel
6. Kalibari temple
7. State Bank of India
8. Railway Board Building
9. Gorton Castle
10. Vidhan Sabha
11. Knockdrin
12. Command House
13. Shimla Sanitarium
14. Oberoi Cecil
15. Chauramaidan Post Office
16. Inverarm - The State Museum
17. All India Radio
18. Peterhof HPTDC Hotel
19. Armsdell 1939
20. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
21. Holcombe
22. Artrac
23. DC Office
24. Central Telegraph Office

After a long tiring day, we had covered almost 90% of Shimla's attractions. And off we slept after a sumptuous dinner accompanied with a hot ginger tea.

Day 3- 21 November, 2016
The wedding day, it was. We had almost half of the day prior to the wedding and we decided to start the day by visiting the famous Jakhoo temple. It was a uphill climb and we took a taxi to and fro. After the darshans and exciting encouters with monkeys we planned to stroll along the mall road, lower bazaar and the lakkar bazaar. Hopping at different eating joints and with some shopping as well we came back to our hotel at 6PM. Got decked up for the wedding and off we went to the New Shimla. This place is about 30 minutes away from the main Shimla and is more residential with no attractions around. We were back from wedding around 12 in the night and it was absolutely silent night with winds blowing amongst the trees, giving such a spooky feel. ;)

Day 4 - 22 November, 2016
The check out day. We packed our bags, had stuffed paranthas and took the famous toy train back to Kalka. With 103 tunnels on the way, small station breaks, tall deodars on both the sides, breathtaking valley views, sun shining at its best, we reached Kalka railway station around 4PM. Hopped onto our next train shatabdi and we reached New Delhi at 10PM.


It was a lovely trip with lots of kickass moments, funny incidents, spooky night feel, destination wedding and the two of us-Enjoyed the 4 days to the core!

Happy tripping !!!

Rashtrapati Niwas
Christ Church
Jakhoo Mandir
Gorton Castle
Vidhan Sabha
Command House
Standing Tall !!
Scandal Point
Valley View - Simla

Shimla Railway Station

Saturday 22 October 2016

Out of Box Diwali Gift Options !!!

With Diwali around the corner, the shopping spree takes a pick. While people are busy shopping sweets and crackers, gifting friends and family also is equally challenging. This Diwali listing some unique and out of the box options for your near and dear ones.

  • Hand Made Cards - Gifting hand made cards are an option for those who are innovative and dare to try new things. Quiled cards, pasted cards, painted cards etc can be options and are highly appreciated.

  • Self Painted Diyas and Candles - Revive the artist in you and paint the earthen diyas, pots etc and can gift your near ones. You may embellish the diyas and candles with sparkles, different color laces  etc.

  • Movie Tickets - Gift movie tickets to your friends this Diwali :) Time saving and a much liked gift amongst the youngsters.

  • Home Decor - You can gift paintings, vases, wall clocks, candle stands, bed-sheets etc. These add grace to one's home and can be an option in case you want to place a safe bet.

  • Vouchers - In case you have tried the above, gift vouchers to your friend. These can range from shopping vouchers to travel vouchers. You may gift salon vouchers or a spa as well. 
  • Self made Cookies/ chocolates - This Diwali flaunt your culinary skills and you can gift home made cookies or chocolates. You can wrap them in cute boxes of different colors and can share and spread happiness.

Happy Gifting !!! 
Wishing you a Happy and Safe Diwali ... 

Sunday 25 September 2016

Cairns, Australia ... A Magical Wonder !!!

Hey Guys,

Cairns was our second destination in Australia post Sydney. A memorable trip indeed with quite a few bitter experiences as well, all in all it is a must visit place to be. We landed in Cairns just to realize that my husband has lost his zara jacket. We were running through the lost and found department of the airport, but alas ! no luck. Boarded our cab and reached hotel - The Pacific. It was a pleasant weather throughout our 3 day stay in Cairns and drizzled for quite a few hours as well. Sea was rough for the entire duration and we were a little unlucky as we could not enjoy the fun of snorkeling and soak sun at the green island.

We booked a tour from hotel helpdesk. The irish guy was really helpful as he helped in customizing our package. We got 2 deals, one for Kuranda scenic rail + Skyrail and the second one for Great Barrier Reef + Green Island.

Below are the highlights of our stay -

  • Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon - One cannot enjoy beach as there were jelly fish and hence this area has been created which has a huge swimming area and presence of white sand around giving it a beachy touch. Enjoyed our evening at this place as it was quite close to our hotel, just 500m approx. 
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway and Visit to Kuranda Village - Kuranda scenic rail has a historic touch, it is really slow but you can cherish the journey as it passes through age old bridges and tunnels. Announcements are made at all important views so that the tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty as well. Kuranda Village is basically a shopping place wherein you can eat shop and watch wildlife. Trinkets, sculptures, paintings etc made by aboriginals are at display.
  • The SkyRail Rainforest Cableway - Must do a Cairns. Once of the most sporty thing that gives you an Adrenaline rush. It's spanning 7.5 km over the pristine rainforest and allows you to explore the rainforest as it has 2 stops in between. One of the longest cable way in the world, I loved every bit of it. You feel no less than a bird and sky is not the limit !
  • Green Island - A coral cay formed 6000 years ago. One of the most serene places that I have been in my life. Waves gushing, dark clouds hovering the ocean, we spent about 2-3 hours as it was a stop while we were enroute the Great Barrier Reef. Had beagles, brownies and sipped hot coffee while we got drenched in rain.
  • The Great Barrier Reef - No trip to Australia is complete without the visit to the great barrier reef. Day was not much favourable as the sea was rough and I got sea sick. Could not snorkel, however we went in the semi submersible, which for 30 min took us to the bottom of the ocean. There's a magical world beneath, one of the wonders indeed, formed over millions of years. ** Tip - Always take a sea sickness tablet prior to the start of the trip. Carry your own towels and a poncho for rainy days.
Best Eating Joints at Cairns:
  1. Splash Seafood restaurant
  2. Dundee's restaurant on the waterfront
  3. Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse
  4. C'est Bon Cairns
  5. Tandoori Nights
Adding couple of pictures of this beautiful place. Hope you all would enjoy!
Loads of Love and would be back soon with another post...
Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon

Green Island

Green ... All around !!!

Waiting for the train ...




Bird's Eye View !!!






Neemrana - Delhi Weekend Gateway

With the onset of holiday season, I thought of penning down my Neemrana experience, one of the favorite weekend gateways from Delhi. Neemra...