Journal: Making a Home

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes3 Comments
Couple in Indian wedding clothes

As we inch our way towards our big day, date undecided, I find myself marvelling at the concept of marriage and making a home. We’ve had eight years to know each other as two separate entities. As we stand on the cusp of a new life stage, I guess I’m not mighty concerned about the legality of it all. A piece of paper, a few random rituals and a couple of signatures don’t make a marriage, do they?

In the “civilised society,” it does. From where I stand, it makes a wedding, maybe a few nice photographs but certainly not a marriage. To me, marriage is more like the second definition thrown up by Google: “a combination or mixture of elements.” It’s an amalgamation by choice that riots against everything to continue to be an amalgamation. A coupling of the mind and heart and soul that cannot comprehend life as a singularity.

Continue reading “Journal: Making a Home” →

Look: Time Traveller

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes5 Comments
Girl in vintage ruffled lace dress

She believes she was born a century too late. For ruffles and lace make her swoon.

She dressed up in a vintage-esque dress for Race day on a breezy Saturday. She bet on a subdued fascinator, black tie-up heels and simple black clutch. #VictorianMuch

Ruffled dress: Koovs.com #SaleHaul
Floral headband: Accessorize
Tie-up black heels: Ajio.com #SaleHaul

CC creme: Lakme S# Bronze
Mascara: Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara –  01 Extreme Black
Eye Shadow: The Little Black Book Palette from Elf– Volume II
Eye Liner: Maybelline New York The Colossal Liner – Black

Photographer: D.R.R TrollKill
Shot on: Moto G3 

Continue reading “Look: Time Traveller” →

Recipe: Cinnamon Honey Whiskey Sour

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

From the many things that bother me, migraines are somewhere on top of the list. This, much to my dismay, has resulted in several lifestyle choices. I cannot eat Chinese food with MSG, cannot drink alcohol as much as I want, cannot have too much chocolate, cannot deviate from a strict schedule etc.

recipe whiskey cocktail drinks

Why am I telling you this? Because lately I’ve realised that the only alcoholic drink that doesn’t give me a headache is the good ol’ Whiskey Sour. Maybe it’s in my head (pun intended), but I’m going to stick to my chubby glass of Whiskey Sour for a while with lime and not orange. Orange is next level yucky.

So I figured I should learn to make this at home for emergencies like… Mondays or Wednesdays or afternoons. Most recipes online involved a sour mix which I don’t know where to find in Mumbai, mainly because I haven’t tried looking for it #LazyGoose. But this recipe is different. Not only does it not need a sour mix, it also combines utilises one of my favourite spices – Cinnamon.

Continue reading “Recipe: Cinnamon Honey Whiskey Sour” →

Recipe: No Churn 3 Ingredient Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes4 Comments

I remember when I was about seven or eight years old, my ever experimental mom bought an ice cream maker from one of those teleshopping networks. I was forbidden to enter the dining room where she was attempting to make her first batch of homemade ice cream. Mom used to do all sorts of mad things back then. Despite having been given strict instructions to stay out of her way, I slowly crept up the long corridor in our old house and pushed aside the stiff door curtain to the dining room.

recipe easy ice cream homemade

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Maybe it was because I was so little, but to me it looked like there had been an explosion. White powder, water and ice were all over the place… on the floor, the table and on mumma. She chased me out before I could enter. If my memory serves me right, that was the last time we used that wretched ice cream maker. We still have it though, tucked away on a higher shelf in the kitchen where no one can (and should) reach. I don’t really remember the taste of the ice cream but I’ll never forget that scene. We still laugh about it.
Continue reading “Recipe: No Churn 3 Ingredient Cookies & Cream Ice Cream” →

Adriel George’s Playlist

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes4 Comments

I’ve been terrible these past few months. Ever since I’ve got that neck and back problem, I’ve been ignoring my commitments and promises and spending precious time writhing in bed with a cold pack. But enough. Enough of pity, enough of pain sensitivity, enough of ignoring my blog/friends/family/life. It’s 2017 dammit. My 28th chance to finally get it right.

So, meet Adriel George. I met him over nine years ago when we were studying in the same college. I remember watching him with my jaw on the floor as he danced during our graduation party. Although he studied IT, Adriel chose to string together his own path, note after note. He’s now a music composer (a damn good one at that) and producer for films, theatre and those Youtube ads that you sometimes can’t skip and end up liking.

That’s our man on the keyboards

A much sought-after piano teacher, he loves sneaking into hotel lobbies and malls with grand pianos and serenading late-night guests with his renditions of famous movie themes. Although I’m yet to catch him in action, I have heard him tune out the world and drown in chords at his studio in Santacruz (W), Mumbai.
Continue reading “Adriel George’s Playlist” →

Recipe: Super Easy 3 Ingredient No Bake Oreo Truffles

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes6 Comments

Ah, kitchen… we meet again. As much as I love eating, reading recipe books and watching MasterChef, the patience one needs to cook evades me. Up until now. I’d like to think I’m getting better. Maybe it’s age, maybe it was a just a slow Saturday. We’d never know.

This isn’t so much of a cooking recipe but more of an assembling one. If I can put this together, happily ace it and watch my biggest critic (See: D.R.R. TrollKill) pass out momentarily with glee…anyone can do it. And I mean ANYONE.

What I love about this brilliant recipe is how insanely easy it really is. It’s simple enough for kids to make too. Since it requires bare essentials when it comes to utensils or appliances, even young adults and college kids staying by themselves can give it a shot.
Continue reading “Recipe: Super Easy 3 Ingredient No Bake Oreo Truffles” →

Meet Biscoot & Rain’s Sirawon Khathing & Ben Ningtoutao

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

This one is long long long long looooonnnnggg overdue. I met Sirawon Khathing, one half of Biscoot & Rain, back in 2014 when we worked together at Elle Decor India. She’s been one of my closest friends ever since and one of my favourite Indian illustrators of all time. She has been the photographer for some of my fashion stories.

She runs a unique design and illustration studio along with her childhood friend Ben Ningtoutao. Professionally both of them are stellar designers… Sira works in Mumbai, India and Ben in Christchurch, New Zealand. A cross-continent collaboration, their sole source of inspiration and interest is North East India, especially Shillong, the hill station where they grew up. No ocean can keep this creative duo away from their one true love.
Continue reading “Meet Biscoot & Rain’s Sirawon Khathing & Ben Ningtoutao” →

Recipe: Garlicky Yogurt Dip

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

When Tupperware sent me their Speedy Chef, I remember thinking to myself, “Oh my gondola, I need make THE yogurt dip.” So, D.R.R.TrollKill‘s mom makes an addictive garlicky yogurt dip that I can eat by the bucket.

This supremely easy dip is so creamy and yummy, you’ll find yourself piling it on your chips, crackers or veggie sticks. Best part is there isn’t a microwave, oven or stove involved… just a cool mechanical kitchen appliance that will blend the ingredients effortlessly. Once you’ve aced the dip, give this super simple no churn ice cream a go.
Continue reading “Recipe: Garlicky Yogurt Dip” →

Journal: Bring It On

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

Warning: Emo post coming your way

Birthdays are miserable. And so are New Year’s eves. The build up to these two days, the days themselves and weeks following them are soul sucking. They are a painful reminder of what we haven’t done and what we will never do. Wretched are the seconds where the mind and heart dwell on the lost. Lost time, lost opportunities, lost experiences, lost fun, lost travels, lost conversations, lost anything that could’ve enriched your soul…
Continue reading “Journal: Bring It On” →

Meet the Puppeteer behind Puppet Diaries

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

I’ve been out of action for a while trying to deal with a physical aliment. You know what they say… As you grow older, you slowly die inside. While macabre might be my mood of the hour, it is certainly on hold as I type this blog post. Meet the Puppeteer behind Puppet Diaries.
Continue reading “Meet the Puppeteer behind Puppet Diaries” →

D.R.R TrollKill: See You Soon, Proxima Centauri b

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

Click-bait heading of a scientific story with a hopeful ending. Slow Motion Thought’s favourite sci-fi nerd Regan Fernandes aka D.R.R.TrollKill tells it like he sees it

Why it’s cool?
While we have been hunting for exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) for a couple of years now, we never had one this close before, that too in the habitable zone.

And it would also the first planet outside our solar system that we could be able to sort of explore. While we haven’t yet visited another planet with humans, we have sent robots and probes to almost every planetary body in our solar system.

Pic Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser

And now we’re aiming for the stars, quite literally. Russian billionaire Yuri Milner and real life super genius Stephen Hawking along with a host of backers that include social media mogul Mark Zuckerberg are helming a project called Breakthrough Starshot. It aims to send thousands of rice grain sized “starchips” to investigate nearby stars.
Continue reading “D.R.R TrollKill: See You Soon, Proxima Centauri b” →

Frida Khalo’s Beauty Statements

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment
Artist, feminist, communist, fashion icon, LGBT idol – Frida was a great many things. She embodied unconventionality and put Mexico on the fashion and beauty map. A look at how the Mexican artist celebrated individuality through her make-up. We break down the rebellious artist’s signature statements.
Holding-6

Chic Cheek

Olive-skinned Frida was unafraid of using colours in her art, attire and make-up. She loved highlighting her cheekbones and often wore a bold red lip stain to match.

Continue reading “Frida Khalo’s Beauty Statements” →

Button Down 2.0: The Shirt has been Upgraded

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes2 Comments
If you thought shirts were monotonous, think again. It’s hard to imagine that the all-holy shirt was once just an undergarment and not a must-have basic. Over the years, the simple shirt – the uniform for 9-5 shifts – has evolved, metamorphosing into a street style staple. Whatever be its form, the shirt continues to exude power and formality. We break down its latest avatars this season.

Wicked Victorian

Holding-6

Ruffle some feathers by embracing your inner Prince (RIP). In-your-face romantic, this blast from the past has stiff collars, girly gathers and a steady following.

Continue reading “Button Down 2.0: The Shirt has been Upgraded” →

Pro Golfer Sharmila Nicollet’s Beauty Secrets

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes1 Comment

At 25, Sharmila Nicollet is making headlines on and off course. The Indo-French athlete is the second and youngest Indian to earn a full card on the Ladies European Tour. She spends her time training, Instagramming and being a regular girl with flawless skin.

My skincare routine 
I’m a little OCD about my skincare. I don’t like using many chemicals on my face. I use a soapless face cleanser and follow it up with a moisturizer twice a day. I’m in the sun a lot, so a sunscreen is a must. Mom makes me natural face packs – papaya, banana or mango with multani mitti. I get a clean-up done once every two months.

My fitness schedule 
I eat a small meal or a few bananas before hitting the gym. I gym six times a week – twice on upper body, twice on lower body and twice on core. My regime consists of mobility and heavy weight training. I love weight and muscle training and mix it up with balance and core. Plus, I get a deep tissue massage at the end of the week.

Signature look on course 
I don’t wear too much make-up – basic mascara, some concealer, sunscreen, foundation and lip balm, all for protection and cover-up.
Continue reading “Pro Golfer Sharmila Nicollet’s Beauty Secrets” →

A/W 2016: Runway trends to Heart

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes4 Comments
Whether you’re aiming for dainty, badass or the girl next door, there’s something there for everyone. The lowdown on A/W 2016 biggest fashion trends… 

The 80s

L-R: Fyodor Golan, Moschino and Paul Smith
The era of rock and roll is back to shake things up. Some of the loudest retro trends, from crop tops, shoulder pads and fishnet stockings to off-shoulders and blinding neons, have made a big comeback. And animal prints on everything from fur coats to boots are righteous again.

Continue reading “A/W 2016: Runway trends to Heart” →

Meet Nadia Azavedo

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes2 Comments
D.R.R TrollKill met her before I did. Not in real life but virtually. The three of us are a part of a highly volatile Facebook Group about Goa. D.R.R TrollKill thinks he’s Goan because he spent one year there and his grandfather was from there, I heard so much about that group from him that I had to join it and Nadia…well, she’s a young thinking Goan with an opinion and a cracking sense of humour.

I met her when a misogynistic creature decided to spew crap and neither Nadia nor I could hold back. We somehow joined forces in an attempt to talk some sense into him. The long, long fight ended with the admin blocking further comments on the post. More importantly, it ended with Nadia and I becoming friends. 

Continue reading “Meet Nadia Azavedo” →

Street Style: 9

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

Raisa Tolia is a good friend and an ex-colleague. The fire in her is almost contagious and the passion with which she does everything in life is admirable. Sweet girl that she is, she want to meet her girlfriends from work for lunch a day before her birthday.

I absolutely loved what she wore. A navy blue accordion pleated midi teamed with a cream shirt, casually tucked it. Sans jewellery. She almost never needs jewellery. She teamed it with studded, strapped sandals and a giant tote that could fit a small to medium size baby. I’ve always admired the grace with which she carries off her outfit. I’m going to call it and say…this one’s full #girlboss material.

Happy birthday, Rice Bowl!
Continue reading “Street Style: 9” →

Street Style: 10

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes5 Comments

My sister from another mister, Aditi Sharma Maheshwari looked like a piece of art today when we met for lunch. An ex-colleague, my namesake’s sense of style spells sophistication. A brilliant writer and even better confidante, AM (as she’s fondly called) brings her fun side to her dressing.
Continue reading “Street Style: 10” →

Meet D.R.R TrollKill

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

This boy. This isn’t the first time I’m talking about him. He has been referred to as The Boy or R several times on the blog.

I can never seem to find the right words to describe him. Even after 8 odd years of knowing him, studying him, understanding him, hearing him, loving him…

Anything I say falls short of who he is and what he means to me. Languages can be a shallow thing like that. Well, late last year he and I decided we’d like to spend the rest of our lives creating our own language, our own little world.
Continue reading “Meet D.R.R TrollKill” →

Fashion trend: Throwback to the 90s

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment
Because what goes around, comes around…
 

We have news and it’s rather big. Hang on to your fanny pack because the greatest decade of all time is making a fashionable comeback. The freaking 90s are back! Fashion has always had a tendency of rehashing the past and it’s finally made its way back to the 1990s when Friends aired its pilot episode, Bill Clinton was President, Britney Spears was a good girl and the Macarena was invented.

Several style statements from the 90s are making their cute (some even ugly) presence felt and we’ve picked our favourite four fashion trends for you to adopt right away.
 
      Denim Dungarees or Overalls
Essentially made for farmers and mechanics, the dungaree soon trickled its way to everyday fashion in the 90s and it’s back this year, albeit in a skinner (perhaps even ripped) avatar.
Shop: Topshop on Jabong

Continue reading “Fashion trend: Throwback to the 90s” →

Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) in Friends to Joey (Katie Holmes) in Dawson’s Creek aced the short dungaree with sleeves tops

Look: Pep Talk

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

Shit happens. Most times, you don’t see it coming and the other times, you’re in deep denial of its arrival. But like it or not, painful unpleasantness is as much a part of this wretchedly beautiful life as is unconditional love (care for some short poetry).
Continue reading “Look: Pep Talk” →

When I drank mango beer and painted a Husain at a pub…

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

I haven’t picked up a paint brunch since I was 20. That was a long long time ago. So I was rather intrigued when I got an email from the PR representing a new art-social called Paintstorm. When descriptor read as “a social event at a pub where you can drink, eat and paint”…who wouldn’t wanna know more!

Last month, a bunch of us were invited to attend an MF Husain sesh by Paintstorm at The White Owl. I rarely attend events on weekdays (ahem, I rarely attend events but aim to change that soon) but curiosity got to this cat and I showed up with a friend in tow. Turn out, Paintstorm was started by 4 young people who just wanted to spend time out at a pub doing something fun. I love how simple problems birth inventive solutions. So for a price, you get paint supplies, booze, finger food and a good time.
Continue reading “When I drank mango beer and painted a Husain at a pub…” →

Friday Finds: Fancy Salad Bowl

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment
Salad bowls are my new thing. Too bad I’m still trying to get my grip on making a awesome salad.
While I stare at pinterest with interest (I’m sorry for that) looking for “easy salads”, “healthy salads” and “taste but easy salads”…. I found this beauty.

Elvy from New Delhi has these super fancy salad bowls from Vietnam. White and wood are a classic combination. Somehow this bowl and salad spoons look equal parts oriental and Scandinavian. I love the clean lacqured white and the classy gold rim.
Website: Elvy.in

Review: Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes3 Comments
Let’s start with an open secret. No girl in her right mind can do without a face scrub. It exfoliates by cleaning dead skin…you know the ugly stuff you can’t really see, but is definitely there. It also helps remove stuff that you can see – the dreaded blackheads and whiteheads. It’s an essential part of any skincare routine – a step before cleansing-toning-moisturizing – and must not be missed. Having said that, scrubs are not to be used everyday. Twice a week is ideal.  I tried out Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub (Rs 130) for 4 weeks before I came to the following conclusions.
Continue reading “Review: Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub” →

Review: Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Scrub

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes1 Comment

 

Gritty. Dirty. Polluted and icky. City life finds its ugly way onto me, and my skin is the first place it shows. Okay fine, I might be getting old. But I’m not talking about discolouration and crow’s feet. My madly oily face is a collector….of rubbish. To improve my skincare regime, I tried out Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Scrub (Rs 130 for 100gms) for 4 weeks and here’s what happened.

Continue reading “Review: Himalaya’s Purifying Neem Scrub” →

Review: CupCake Factory, Bandra

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment
We hit up the newest dessert parlour in Bandra on opening weekend last Sunday. Remember CupCake Factory from McCraig? The mother-son run brand now has their own standalone store near Mehboob Studios, Bandra. I was unwell that day so #theboy was the official taster for this review. Here’s what he has to say about about CupCake Factory…

The decor is pretty cool – whisks, ladles etc hanging from the entrance ceiling. There’s a stove that’s been turn into a light fixture. There’s a oven that keeps constantly one and also works like a fun light. The murals are super. The mural is hand painted to look like well…a cupcake factory! It’s fun and sweet. To think this little place was created by the owner Aditya and his friends and an posh interior designer…
Continue reading “Review: CupCake Factory, Bandra” →

Look: Rule Breaker

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde Fernandes1 Comment
She chooses to do the “right” things always. But once in a while, she doesn’t care. Maybe it’s the moon, maybe it’s the hormones, maybe it’s the tides. Things are worn backside front and colours that “don’t go with each other” are mixed without damn.

Red body con skirt: Rs 250 on sale at Forever 21(similar)
Checked shirt worn backside front: Hand-me-down
Socks: Thrifted, Rs 50 for 3 pairs on Linking Road
School boy shoes: Rs 350 at Bata (same)

Tote: 20 Dresses on Jabong
Glasses: Lenskart

Photography by Aruna Gaitonde

Continue reading “Look: Rule Breaker” →

Street Style: 8

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment
Zeenat Kulavoor is a massively talented typographer and graphic artist who works at Bombay Duck Design. Her arabic calligraphy is out of this world and she’s even holding a workshop at TARQ on June 29 to teach enthusiats. She also loooooovessss cats and runs a sweet blog called I Spot Cats.

I met her an event a few months ago and simply loved what she wore. She was in a black short sleeve shirt buttoned to the collar. Look closely and you’ll see it’s printed with fried bacon and eggs (hmmm….bacon). She bought this fab shirt at a small shop on Colaba Causeway in Mumbai. She teamed it with black leggings and running shoes. The pop from the neon green shoe laces is super. See that clutch in her hand… it’s actually a tin storage box she picked up in Crawford Market, Mumbai! Love how artists get creative with everything….

The Week That Was: June 25

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment
Last week was tough. Lesson learnt: No eating outside food during the rains. Now that I work in my favourite part of the city (Bandra, duh), after work involves a lot of aimless loafing. On one such walk, I met and had a silent conversation with the cutest boy. Look at him! *heart eyes*

On another rainy day, I came home to something sweet and spicy. A little something from the good people at Paper Boat. I loved their Jaljeera drink but then I discovered their Guava Chilli drink. Now I can’t decide which one I love more (pakka Libra girl). Anyway, they also sent me a sweet tin box for memories and a copy of Jungle Book that I’ve started reading.

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

Look: True Blue

Published on by Aditi Gaitonde FernandesLeave a comment

It’s about to pour. She can almost hear it. She wants to swim in the rain and drench herself entirely. She loves the sound of the rain meeting concrete, tin and earth. She can almost hear it. Looks like the clouds might take a while, but she can’t wait. She drapes herself in the wateriest print – does it look like a turbulent ocean or a slab of melting marble?

Dress: Rs 1999 on Stalkbuylove.com (here)
Wedges: Clarks (on sale)
Necklace (headband worn as chain): Rs 100 at M Block, New Delhi

Photography by Aruna Gaitonde