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Wow weddings!
“Of course it’s always easier to make your weddings stand out if you have the money to spend, but resources do not always guarantee a classy wedding,” opines Guneet Singh, managing director, Absolute Perfection. At times, the ideas take precedence over resources! Same difference If every wedding has a theme, none stays with the guests beyond a night. At times, the trick lies in retreating. Nods Shailej Teri, managing director, Plan My Eventz, “At times, anything that is literally different is appreciated. For example, one can hardly go wrong with ethnic weddings. We once had a priest recite the rituals in three different languages and that was more than enough to make people remember and talk about it.” “Ostentatious display of wealth is one thing and good hospitality quite another. Once a client demanded that there be first-aid, over-the-counter medication and quick transportation facilities available for all the guests, so that they feel truly looked after and secure,” shares Rai Deep Singh, events manager with a Chandigarh-based wedding company. Over the top Then there are the destination weddings that everyone has known for quite sometime now. “We once organised this wedding in Mussoorie with a Roman theme. Everything from the cards to the entrance to wooden structures at the venue were done up like that,” says Gagan Brar, manager, Wedding Seasons. She adds, “These days, in entertainment people prefer jazz artists and such bands instead of a DJ. With free-flowing currency, things are only ‘likely” to get played up. Says Rai Deep Singh, “At times, what makes a wedding stand apart is how much fun your guests are having. If there’s a good peppy crowd, the wedding pictures will always be different as will be all the functions.” Noteworthy! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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So natural
“People are turning to all things natural, just because they believe there are no side-effects and these products are totally herbal. Other than that, companies that are promoting natural products are now packaging them in such a way that it appeals to the consumer,” says Anju Khanna from Styl studio, a beauty salon in Panchkula. She adds, “Earlier, ayurveda meant some herbs and potions in plastic bottles with homemade labels; they weren’t usually something to showcase, but with companies like Khadi, The Body Shop, Forest Essentials and Himalaya the concept of natural products has gone to a higher level.” Organic is taking the lead everywhere, so why not in beauty products? “People are thinking eco-friendly and these days it is all about going back to the roots,” says an employee from Fabindia, Chandigarh. Betty Nangia, holistic and skin care specialist from Betty’s organic skin care clinic in Sector 8, spells out the difference between natural and other beauty products, “It’s just like having fresh juice and juice from a tetra pack. Organic products add life to your skin and make the skin breathe. Although other beauty products yield instant results, they make your skin dependent on them; the moment you stop using these products the skin suffers from all kind of problems, unlike the natural products, which act slowly, but for a lifetime.”
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Light it up
Make the moves Well, booking a gym membership would be too crass, but probably booking your loved ones in a dance class would be a good idea! With hordes of dance schools in the city holding classes where you can learn Bollywood moves or spicy Salsa, how about gifting a dance package? It will not only keep them fit, but add up a skill as well. Bond of health If you want to gift something useful, how about a money back policy or even a health insurance? You can pay the premium as much as it suits your pocket and even invest for a particular time-period. Watches are the ultimate style statement and there is a range to choose from. Take your pick from gold, silver or the most techno ones. What caught our eyes is the TAG Heuer Formula 1. A diamond dial with white ceramic and gold-plated bracelet, it is a timeless timepiece for the woman you cherish. Soothe the senses Want to pamper someone, book them a Spa. Chandigarh has many day spa options. Right from Cleopatra Day Spa to Marriott's signature Quan Spa, you take your pick. The latest in the city is Aura, which promises authentic Thai experience. You can book an aroma therapy dry massage for one hour for Rs 2,100 or choose from refreshing body scrubs and wraps. Bags & more Be it a little chunky wallet or a huge tote in orange, women will always find space for them in their closet. Take your pick, and, yes, convention goes that you never gift an empty purse. Also, a red wallet brings in more money! Go green For friends with a green thumb, pick up a potted plant. A tulsi, mint or aloe vera would not only keep their spaces green, but even be useful in the coming winter season. Has your family been cribbing about being sick of routine? Gift them a holiday they will remember for life. From backwaters of Kerala to African safari, travel sites have innumerable options to suit every budget and they offer flexible dates as well. Lyrical note Music has immense influence on the young and old alike. You can select a CD of peppy numbers for a party-popper, a Beethoven or Bade Ghulam Ali Khan for those with refined tastes or some soulful music. While the city stores are stocked up on these, there is a range of online stores offering mega discounts this festive season. Personalise your presents Make your loved ones feel valued. Instead of picking random stuff, personalise your gifts. How about a picture portrait of your last outing? Or a picture embossed on a mug or t-shirt. You can even get a saying imprinted on clothes…let your creativity flow. Get booked If your friend has been dying to read Fifty Shades of Grey and hasn't got hold of it yet, gift it! Ruskin Bond's latest offering Maharani, set in the hills, offers a dash of humour and supernatural with the tale of a beautiful widow of the Maharajah of Mastipur. The world is yours if you wish to explore. Tap onto the receiver's taste and gift a book that takes him or her into an entirely different universe. mona@tribunemail.com
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Tress circle
"Buns are back with a bang and so are hair accessories," says Azzem Khan from Stylo in Sector 19. He adds, "Since this is the festive season, women want hairstyles that are easy to maintain; so soft perms, puffing, spirals and curls are a lot in vogue. Other than this, hair accessories like flowers, frills and clips are quite a rage." Talk of colour and its mahogany, blonde, chocolate and mocha. Though styles this year celebrate the retro era, if you decide to stick to medium-length hairstyles, make sure you add some definition and volume to your strands. "Hairdos depend on facial structures and hair colours are entirely subjective. Plaits are quite in and so are curls. Fringes too are in, but it's the square fringe with some volume that is working well. And nothing is straight this season; so hairstyles go from plain-Jane to a glamorous girl," says Mohammad Aasif hair-stylist from Tress Lounge. He adds, "Accessories too are in, but it's the hair extensions that are quite popular. Colouring is in demand, but for the festive season it's the blend of two-to-three colours that is working well." So, get the combs, grab some clips and make a hair statement!
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Mushroom meal
Kalyan Kumar Jammula
Baked mushroom & vegetable pate with herb rice Ingredients Vegetable pate Parsley rice Garnish Method
Presentation
—As told to Poonam Bindra
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Rug-ged terrain
Sukhmani
While decorating, using the right size and the right colour rug can add a dash of oomph to your décor. There are a few things you need to consider before you set out to buy yourself a new rug. Look around the room; is your décor modern or traditional? Make a note of the colour scheme of the room and the size. Think about how you will be using the room. If the rug is to be placed in the entryway, avoid using light colours that get soiled fast. Similarly if you are looking for a rug under your dining table, choose a dark shade. A patterned rug can also be a fantastic option, because a pattern can help disguise any dirt or small stains. If you are decorating a room from the scratch, it won't be a bad idea to choose a rug of your choice and then decorate the room accordingly.
n Traditional décor: A traditional decor usually has a mix of colours, therefore choose a rug that ties all the colours together. Traditional rugs will have floral and other unique patterns that give a formal look to a room. You can use a rug to define spaces, like a sitting area or the dining area, foyers etc. If you plan to use more than one rug in a room, make sure they complement each other in style or else you will end up with a jarring look. Rugs don't essentially have to be rectangle, try experimenting with rounds and ovals. (Sukhmani is a Chandfigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
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Skeletons in the cupboard?
Grapevine has it, that Ajay Devgan's ADF (Ajay Devgn Films) has sued Late Yash Chopra's Yash Raj Films for practicing monopoly in the film industry. His lawyer sent a notice in the Competition Commission to Yash Raj Films just three days before Chopra's death. He sent the notice and sued them for allegedly using their influential position in the film industry and thus not allowing other movies to release on the same day. If one of the reports in Mumbai dailies is to be believed, "ADF was forced to take legal recourse because of monopolistic practices of YRF." Yash Raj Films, as reported, had also asked Ajay Devgan to change the release date of his upcoming movie Son of Sardaar. Since the movie's (SOS) release date clashes with (JTHJ).
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When Kamal Haasan met Ang Lee…
"I took him to my office where he saw my new film Vishwaroop. I think he liked what he saw. It was very kind of him to make time for something beyond his jam-packed schedule only so that he could be familiar with my work. He had worked in South India in Pudicherry for Life Of Pi. He had heard of me but not seen my work," says Kamal. Ang was apparently very impressed with Vishwaroop. The two artistes have decided to collaborate in the very near future. "I don't know how impressed Ang was with my work. I've been deeply moved by his work. That's why I readily agreed to interview him for a television channel when the offer was made to me. He was surprised that I knew he was a micro-biologist before he began making movies. I've literally seen all his films, right from the first Pushing Hands. I think we covered extensive ground during the interview," laughs Kamal Hassan.
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On a singing spree
Unfair weathered
Milan Luthria is under the weather. He is bedridden because of flu. We hope he gets well soon.
The man and the memories
Yash Chopra has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in four movies. Yet, when they would meet, they would not discuss movies but speak about life in general. Yash Chopra told SRK that he had observed that he loved women in the most respectful way. SRK was touched by this! No wonder, SRK did not celebrate his birthday because of Yash Chopra's shocking demise. He met the media, as he does every year.
Sophie Choudry's new video for Hungama Ho Gaya is considered too raunchy for television viewing and she will have to re-edit it.
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Dare bare act
Yuvraaj Parashar, lead actor of film Dunno Y...Na Jaane Kyun, has signed his first international film. To get this film he had to do a bare body photo shoot.
Yuvraaj says excitedly, "It's a European film and the makers were looking for an Indian face with a well toned physique. They were aware of me because of Dunno Y...Na Jaane Kyun. They mailed me asking if I would be interested to act in their film. But they mentioned clearly that first they would like to see my film, second they would screen test me and third that there is a lovemaking scene in the film in which the actress and me will be shot nude. Only if I were fine with these three conditions, they would proceed. I agreed as I'm a professional actor."
Way to go!
Amrita Rao took the help of PETA to help buffaloes at a farm near her house because they were being fed garbage. Now the owner feeds them better.
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Just married
The pair are said to be enjoying the wildlife taking in the sights during hot air balloon ride, as well as spending time in a luxurious lodge, reported a website. The couple reportedly also stayed in amorous Faru-Faru lodges. Tanzania seems to be one of Biel's favourite tour destinations. — PTI
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Lovebirds in paradise
It was Westlife star Brian McFadden and model Ruby Rosem, who revealed the presence of the lovebirds in Australia. |
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Star scientist
Transformers star Megan Fox is all set to play an actress turned marine biologist who wants to talk to dolphins in a new advert for a computer brand.
In the commercial, Fox, 26, meets her agent in a restaurant but is distracted by the lobster tank, reported a publication. — PTI
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If there are three-hundred weddings happening in the city, how do you stand out amidst the already stretched out? With the set-up - a 100-year-old glitzy ranch replete with wooden antique décor or large chandeliers or fairytale ambient lighting or the flowers? Or button rose bouquets, lilies of the valley, all tied up with Queen Annie’s lace and purple Saffron Crocus? Or the food? ‘Cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style’… that’s how one of the list goes!
Picture perfect venue guarantees good pictures, not memories; just as mind always matters over money and ideas over resources. “I once did a reception for this client whose décor budget for four to five functions was over Rs one crore, while the reception was for eight thousand people,” shares Guneet Singh. The colour theme included a regal combine of rust, maroon and gold. She adds, “It looked every inch regal and stood out but that was a lot of money as well. A lot of times people come and all they tell us is to use gold, red or fuschia and stop at it. Whereas in some of the budget weddings that we have done, some people have tastes and come up with their own ideas; we then sit together and decide.” 
For a while now, it has only been back to the roots. As the international buzz gets louder and ayurvedic products get their due, the cosmetics sector sees a large number of buyers, especially for the ‘natural products’.
Diwali is round the corner and it is that time of the year again when one meets and greets loved ones. It's also time for presents, with giving and receiving having its own charm. If you are still raking your brains on what to buy, here are some 'not so usual' ideas.
Watch out
Travel the world
Get ready to do some backcombing, puffing and add some drama to your hairstyle with hair accessories, as it's all about some chic styling in hair designs this festive season.
You think fancy looking dishes can be served in restaurants only? Think twice! For anyone can be a master chef in their own kitchen. Few vegetables chopped in a fancy manner, a dash of the right sauces and herbs sprinkled and skillful presentation could give you yummy results, visually appealing and delectable to taste. Here we have created a mini meal with mushrooms and veggies for you to make and then bask in the compliments for being the chef avant- garde!
With more people choosing hardwood or tiles for their homes, wide expanses of bare floors can make an interior feel cold and unwelcoming. This is where a strategic placement of rugs can help. They help anchor a room and define it as well.
n Contemporary décor: If you have a contemporary decor you can choose a rug that has stripes, dots or a geometrical pattern. A black and white zebra stripe rug looks beautiful in a contemporary decor. The whole emphasis is on drama and scale. You can use bright colour rugs in a modern décor since mostly furnishings of a modern decor are done in light shades. If the furnishings have a bold pattern then it's advisable to go in for solid colour rugs to tone down the effect.
There is a lot of buzz in Bollywood about the two movies scheduled to release on the 13th of November. The two movies are Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar. Jab Tak Hai Jaan stars Shah Rukh Khan and is the last movie made by the ace director of romance, Yash Chopra. While on the other hand, Son of Sardaar stars Ajay Devgn and is the work of Ashwni Dhir.
After regaling Mumbai, Ang Lee shifted location to Chennai where he met Kamal Haasan. Ang, who was not familiar with Kamal Haasan's work, wanted to see his films. So they drove down to Kamal Haasan's office where he has a fully equipped home theatre.
Priyanka Chopra is making yet another trip to the US for recording her music videos and working further on her music album. She could very well shift there! In My City plays in clubs around the country.
Parental guidance
After exchanging vows in a glamorous and private wedding ceremony, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are reportedly off to Tanzania for their honeymoon.
After secretly going to Bali for a romantic trip, Two And a Half Men star, Ashton Kutcher and actress-girlfriend Mila Kunis were spotted spending quality time together in Australia, recently.