An Old Wild West Saturday!

Hi Guys,

To begin with.. this was one of the most wanted place in town and we've finally got one! Everyone has been talking about it and I had to go there. Finally, I got the time off my busy schedule to visit this place last Saturday. Located on the first floor of Trade View in Kamla Mills, this place has it's own valet parking but you still have to pay the Kamla Mill guys.

I went there with a couple of friends and since it was a weekend we had to pay a cover charge of INR.1,500 per couple,believe me it was worth it! We entered the place around 9 PM and still had to get seated at the bar until we got a table for our-self. We decided to wait until we got a table and were just enjoying the ambiance of the place. 

This Texas/cowboy themed place has an indoor Bull ride, the major attraction of the place. It also has a selfie wall that has cowboy hats and guns as props to take pictures with. There is a dance floor in the center where you can dance to the beats of the loud music! The staff had allotted us a waiting of half an hour to get a table, but they failed to provide us with one. More crowd kept walking in, so we decided to settle at the bar and place our orders anyway! 

The bar is huge and they serve amazing and a large variety of drinks! The bartenders were friendly and performed jaw-dropping fire stunts! We started with a pitcher of bira (GREAT QUANTITY) and Island Spiced tea, an advanced version of the LIT- a mixture of vodka, spiced rum, white rum and coconut rum topped with coke! It was so well made, I couldn't resist calling for one more! A friend also called for The Smokin Word, this cocktail was a mixture of tequila gold with jagermiester & caramelized herbs. It had a nice sweet flavor with fresh herbs to maintain the balance. We loved this combination, definitely a must try.

The bar is huge with a variety of glasses.

For starters we ordered Texas Chicken Nachos, which were served well. They were crisp with good amount of salsa. We also called for Kung pao potatoes, they were good and had a tangy flavor! The Texas Cowboy Beef Burger is a huge burger with beef patty, cheese and fries on the side. Wished it was more juicy and soft to eat. It had an overpowering flavor and we managed to finish this by having 2 bites per person! We also called for Spicy Garlic Prawns which were tossed up with their traditional sauce and garnished with shredded spring onion!

We din't call for any mains as we had already hit the dance floor. The DJ was good and played the songs we requested. Soon, the dim lights were put off and almost every person was dancing their heart's out. I really wanted to enjoy the bull ride, but since I was wearing a long skirt it got difficult to even sit on the bull! 

Overall, it's a good place to party and enjoy a Saturday night with friends. The food is a mixture of average and good. The cocktails are awesome, service is quick and staff is courteous.  And.. if you're asking, will I visit again, then it's definitely a YES!

I hope you enjoyed reading this review :D

Love,
Samidha.

For more pictures: instagram/twentysomethingtripped

The #SlonkitChallenge

Hello there!

I have accepted the #SlonkitChallenge wherein I should be able to save to buy a dress from MANGO 2 weeks earlier than I actually planned to. What does this mean? Using the Slonkit card and app I should be able to save Rs 2000 more than I usually save in 4 weeks.

But here's the sweet part of the challenge - I should be able to do that without compromising much on my spends! Yeah, that's right! This means I should be able to shop like I do usually, and go out as frequently as I do, yet save more by the end of 4 weeks!

This is my first week and I am excited to kick off the challenge! Can you help me pass this challenge? Follow my posts on Instagram on how I am doing on the Slonkit challenge!

How am I going to do this?

The Slonkit app is going to show me how much money and where I am spending on a daily basis so I am aware of how much money I have left to spend. So rather than wondering where all the money went at the end of the month, I will get a real time update on my spending. The best part is that you get discounts at many places using the Slonkit card. To name a few - Snapdeal, Myntra, CCD Zomato, and Swiggy, other than offers in local restaurants in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. So with all the savings I will be managing using Slonkit, and the real-time money management feature of the app, I should be able to meet my goal of stretching my money by Rs 2000!

If you also want to participate in the #SlonkitChallenge or just experience Slonkit, you can use my referral code SAM310O0 to register and get Rs.50 in your Slonkit account! 

And, for those who are wondering what Slonkit is, here's the answer: I ordered my Slonkit card last week from the Slonkit app. The Slonkit card is just like a debit card, except you cannot withdraw money from the ATM. It is powered by VISA and DCB Bank but you can use it as a VISA card otherwise. I think this card is fantastic as you need not open a bank account to get it.

Keep watching this space as I'll be writing more on how I am doing on the #SlonkitChallenge!

Hope you guys enjoyed reading this post and look forward to the #SlonkitChallenge!

Love,
Samidha.

Special ingredients for a special you: crafted for timeless youthfulness

Hello everyone, 

Summer doesn't seem to end and so is the need of a refreshing shower gel. Let's be honest, I usually use soap; I used the Fiama Di Wills Shower Gel basically to write this review and it has now become a routine. This brand has a lot of different variants in gels and body soaps but this one's from the limited edition exquisitely designed by "Masaba." The gel is an amalgamation of avant grade fashion and innovative skincare.

Fiama Di Wills shower gel is yet another innovation from ITC’s Laboratoire Naturel. The advanced 3D suspension technology delivers rich encapsulated glitter beads to invigorate your senses. 

Directions for use:

1. Pour shower gel on wet loofah.
2. Apply gently over your wet body.
3. Enjoy the opulent feel of glitter beads and rinse off.

My Experience with Fiama Di Wills Shower Gel – Aquamarine Agleam:

The shower gels I received came in a fancy packing with three gels packed in transparent bottles with different colors out of which one was reserved for men's. The first thing I noticed in ALL 3 shower gels was its fragrance. I can’t exactly describe, but it is very pleasant and I am sure many of us will love it.

The Aquamarine Agleam shower gel is enriched with aquamarine dust and skin conditioners that detoxify the skin. The gel has a faint blue color and is of the right consistency, neither too runny nor too thick and also has some glittery beads. They are provided to refresh our senses and provide a gentle exfoliation to the skin. The shower gel lathers pretty well  with the loofah and we don’t have to use a lot in order to indulge in a good bathing experience. Also, it rinses out without any trouble.

This shower gel is very moisturizing and at the same time gives a clean feeling to the skin. 

Pros of Fiama Di Wills Shower Gel- Aquamarine Agleam :

- Pleasant fragrance.
- Small quantity is needed for one bath hence the bottle will last long.
- Rinses out easily.
- Hygienic packaging.

Cons of Fiama Di Wills Shower Gel – Aquamarine Agleam :

-Although it is moisturizing by nature, it may not be enough for a super dry skin.
-The fragrance fades away in a few minutes.

I am absolutely mesmerized by this amazing range and you too will be when you actually try it yourself!

Love,
Samidha.

Run down- German Bakery, Pune

Hi Guys,

I'm back to keep you folks updated and the blog active! Hehe, well yes! I've been too caught up these days and haven't been able to post since the last two weeks. I've started working again and I'm still trying to balance both things together, and miserably failing at it! Late working hours are not letting me go to new places and when I have the time I'm just so tired to do ANYTHING! Getting back to the blog post for today, this is my review on one of my most favorite place in Pune, Germany Bakery! 

Pune is my second home with a huge family base and friends of course! Since I have a house in Koregaon Park, Germany Bakery has always been my favorite hangout place in the same vicinity. I absolutely love the ambiance and vibe of this place, impeccable quality coupled with nice service! It's been years since I've been going to this place and have almost tried everything on their menu. 

I don't quite like hummus but this time, we ordered for hummus pita which was lip smacking and perfectly made and I really wished there was more hummus. We also ate Shrews bury and double creamy chocolate cookies which had an outstanding taste, I think the BEST I have eaten! I literally got them parcel to have them in Bombay! The creamy chocolate in the center of the cookies was so delightful :D This was followed by the classic Margarita Pizza which was good.Then i even munched on the Cheese Potato burger which is served with fries and salad! And of course,frozen hot chocolate was a need of the hour! 

All in all, I have visited this place several times and it has never disappointed me. Although after the past incident there, security is a major thing and you are checked thoroughly before being permitted to enter. This place ought to be on one's bucket list! 

Recommend: Chicken Cordon bleu, chilli dog, Chicken a la Kiev, Barbecued chicken pizza. Desserts: Banoffee pie, Apple pie, Spanish Omelette

Hope this review helps you make up your mind to visit this place soon! Stay tuned until the next post :)

Love,
Samidha.

Palazzo Love! - 3 ways to wear it

Hey there!

Lately I've been too lazy to post a new look and believe me this weather is to be blamed for it! Nevertheless, I am back with three looks, and they are all about how to spot different loks with a palazzo! Palazzo pants are super wide-legged, loose, flowing pants that were super popular back in the ’70s and ’80s. As most trends tend to do, palazzo pants have recently made a comeback… a pretty big one. From the pool, to the party, and even the office, this seventies-inspired silhouette is everywhere!

These easy-to-wear trousers are known for their waist-whittling fit and bold colors. They’re the perfect piece to add some liveliness to your wardrobe this summer when you’re uncomfortable in jeans.There are different kinds of palazzos, in printed and plain colors. You can experiment with the printed variety but if you want to play safe, then stick to plain ones. Palazzos are bottom-heavy since they flare out from the knees below, so keep the top you're wearing light and well-fitting. Just team them with high heels and tuck the top in. These comfortable and lightweight pants are perfect fit for every body’s shape. A broad high-waist belt enhances your look and makes your waist look smaller. Wedges work well to complete the look. You can never go wrong with a cropped top but please, make sure you have the body to pull it off. Excess flesh and skin would only make you look like a tramp! Pairing tailored palazzos with feminine fitted shirts can create a perfect work wear.

Here's getting to my looks in my favorite Royal Blue Palazzo..

#LOOK 1: Palazzo with a casual tee (Feel Pretty)

I chose this plain black, full sleeve tee-shirt with gold accessories, flat sandals and a sling bag. You can carry this casual look anywhere and everywhere!

Tee, neck piece- Hill Road, Bandra, Earrings- Yellows&Greys, Sling Bag- Tommy Hilfiger, Sandals- SSS

#LOOK 2: Palazzo with a kurti (Feel Beautiful)

This is a revamped way to wear a kurti and I absolutely love this loose duo look! Indian yet trendy vibes :D I teamed up a white chikan kurti with kolhapuris for this look, apt to be worn for brunch, movie or casual dinner at a friend's place.

Kurti- Hakoba, Kolhapuris- Lords, Accessories- Random store in Coimbatore 

#LOOK 3: Palazzo with a crop top (Feel Sexy)

This look depends on the kind of occasion you are going to and also your comfort level with bare skin. Crop tops are a vintage come back and this trend to me is international, cool, easy and super stylish!

Top- Fendi Femme, Sling Bag- Linking Road, Watch and Midrings- Regium, Shoes- Aldo

Hope you guys enjoyed this post, although I couldn't implement all tips mentioned in the second paragraph you guys should try them!

Photography by: Gaurav Pednekar
For more pictures, you can follow me on Instagram, here.

Lot's of love,
Samidha :)

Are you taking proper care of your skin this Summer?

Summer is the season when you have to take special care of your skin. You may be surprised that your summer skin, which looked radiant throughout winter, suddenly looks dull, blemished and oily. This is because, in winter your skin's natural oils solidifies, whereas in summer it flows freely. It's estimated that 90 percent of wrinkles cause due to sun exposure. The sun's long- and short-wave ultraviolet rays, or UVA and UVB, penetrate the deepest layers of skin, damaging the collagen -- the spongy protein that gives skin it's structure, firmness, and elasticity. Fair skin wrinkles more readily than dark skin because it contains less pigment, which acts as a natural sunscreen, blocking some of the sun's damaging UVA and B rays. 

• To prevent wrinkles caused due to sun rays stay out of the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when it's almost directly overhead and UV radiation is strongest. 

• Stay in the shade as much as possible. And wear protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen. Use a scarf!
  
  
  
  
• Strive to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before stepping outside. Sunscreen should always be reapplied after contact with water or after sweating. Sunscreen also should be worn year round--every time you leave the house. Shop for sunscreen that blocks against UVB and UVA rays both believed to induce skin cancer.
  
  
  
• Smooth on a moisturizer that contains sunscreen in proper concentration. Your skin needs more water than anything else and moisturizers are more needed in summer when you lose most of your body salts by sweating. Buy a water-based moisturizer and use it without fail. Rose water is also a good moisturizer and it can be sprayed on the face to tone and refresh it.
  
  
  
  
• Wear proper sunglasses and a hat with a broad brim.
  
  
  
  
• Make it a habit to wash your face gently with water n number of times in a day. Don't use very hot or cold water on your skin which can cause fine vein to appear on your face. Steam your face regularly to open the pores and clean your face of the dirt.
  
  
  

Just as you take care of your body you must not forget your feet and hands. Mostly people neglect their feet and hands and think that they don't have to take care of them or rather feel unnecessary to waste their time on them. Believe me there's nothing more off-putting than looking at cracked, dirty heels. So all you have to do is use plenty of water. 

• Soak your feet and hands in water for 15/20 minutes. Add a pinch of salt in it which will help you get rid of the fatigue. It is advisable to change water from hot to cold. That is for 2 minutes soak your feet in cold water and then soak it in hot water. This also helps improve your blood circulation. Do this for 15 minutes once a week.

• Do not wear shoes and closed footwear in the summer. Wear strappy, low-heeled sandals or some fancy flats. Wear a footwear that will allow air circulation and which are comfortable.
  
  
  
  
• Keep hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. If you’re on the go, try bringing a bottle and a container of fresh fruit on the go to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
  
  
  
  
• Exfoliate,depending on your skin type, either 1-2 times a week if you’re dry and 2-3 times a week if you’re oily to help shed dead skin buildup and slough off previous sun damage. Doing so helps rejuvenate skin, leaving it soft and brighter.
  
  
  
  
• Hot showers after sun exposure further dry skin-turn down the temperature and you’ll pick up a few added benefits. A cool shower after excess sweating helps keep the skin unoccluded, decreasing acne breakouts.
  
  
  
  
• White wine is refreshing in the summer, but red wine is healing. Resveratol, a naturally occurring phenol found in the skin of red grapes can decrease redness from acute sunburns. It has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Cheers!
  
  
  
  

Hope you try these and they work for you! Until next time,
XOXO!