Marriage made in heaven, celebrated in Mumbai!

January 28, 2018, was truly memorable & special day when our cute, pretty Grishma (Lovely daughter of Bhavana & Pradip Shah) who had grown up in front of our eyes, finished her schooling in flying colours, Chemical Engineering meritoriously and became a top-notch working professional, was finally getting hitched to the boy of her dreams. Looking resplendent in South Silk Kanjiveram Saree, dressed as a Maharashtrian bride with her beautiful & noticeable Gujarati looks, she was a national bride. Groom Sumedh Mhatre is the son of Maharashtrian & Malayalam parents, let me add here that Mhatre family integrates many other communities beautifully.  Excitedly we reached the venue at 9 AM in the morning as Shaadi muhurat was at 9:27 AM.

To make the occasion more special, I decided to adorn a Saree for the wedding after a lot of deliberations as I don’t enjoy wearing a saree actually. But going by the status, Pradip & Mukund (my husband) are childhood friends (Bum Chums) and Pradip being my brother, I was bua to Grishma.  Finally, I decided to wear a saree which I picked up from Triveni Saree’s Benarasi collection in Gold with Butis all over, with bright magenta border and pallu in brocade and complimenting blouse.  I wanted to have a Rekha like the look (Hope she is not reading) for which I needed to tie it in a special manner and compliment it with appropriate jewellery. The saree was from Triveni’s Lajwanti Collection of Benarasi Saree which has Golden Zari work giving it shimmery but graceful look. Indeed, the saree was very unique. The style is traditional as the designs are inspired by the conventional Benarasi woven work. The saree and overall look got me many compliments, it is another story that I ended up looking like Usha Uthup and not inimitable Rekha.

After delicious Jain and Gujarati Banquet, it was time for a reception for which Grishma chose red and gold lehenga, whereas Sumedh opted for a more corporate look with his two-piece, looking very handsome. Grishma looked really outstanding in her outfit with complimenting hair-do and matching accessories. For the reception, I changed into White sequinned and Electric Blue Lehenga, La Chennai Express Style which was appreciated very much by one and all. My day was made!

The marriage ceremony was simple, where bride and groom had a great time, receiving blessings from elders and wishes from peers! Pradip bhai is very social and is having a big circle of friends but I and Mukund are very special and he and Bhavana made us really feel so!

Many many wishes to the blessed couple!!

PS: I gifted Grishma a beautiful Triveni Saree from Sunheri collection!

 

PCEB, Malaysia on a multi-city sales mission to India

Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Malaysia) brings 17 Exhibitors from Penang on a 4-City Sales Mission to Woo the Indian Travel and Business Events Segment

The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is proud to introduce the first-ever Penang Sales Mission to India with the objective of promoting Penang as the preferred and ideal destination for corporate and association meetings, incentives and leisure travel.

“India is one of the top five markets for Business Events in Penang, and over the past year, we have received encouraging interest from event planners and conference organisers” says Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of PCEB. “This mission is joined by some of Penang’s finest offerings in the hospitality, travel and events sectors, and will showcase the best of what Penang can offer to the Indian market,” he added.

Ashwin Gunashekhran, CEO, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Malaysia

He was speaking during the 4-city Sales Mission which kicked off from Kolkatta to Delhi, then Mumbai & Bengaluru in January, 2018. The mission led by Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, the mission is supported by a Penang delegation of 17 partners, including the state bureau for leisure travel – Penang Global Tourism, hotels, destination management companies, event experts and PCEB’s official airline partner, Malaysia Airlines.

Penang is world-class travel destination, one that is famed for its unique offerings of a modern international island city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lush rainforests, beautiful hill station, shopping galore and fabulous food. Additionally, this Northern Malaysian state is also a rising Business Events destination. Currently, Penang is the top-ranked second-tier destination in Malaysia in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association).

In 2016, Penang recorded 1251 events with an estimated economic impact of USD 200 million. From January to September 2017, we hosted 1731 events with an estimated economic impact of USD 230 million. This translates to a 27.7% increase in the number of events and 7% increase in the estimated economic impact.

Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of PCEB boasted that the youth from India loves to explore Penang especially for street food & heritage architecture.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established in 2016to develop the Business Events and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang. PCEB aims to position Penang as the preferred location
for Business Events activities in the region. With its rich UNESCO heritage, thriving multicultural society, state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant natural attractions, Penang offers a truly eclectic tropical experience. In line with its mission to incubate the growth of Business Events in Penang, PCEB serves as Penang’s focal point for the coordination of all Business Events activities, providing expert assistance to organisations and Business Events planners at every
step of the planning. PCEB’s team of industry experts work hand-in-hand with professional service providers and world-class hotels, convention centres and unique venues to ensure the smoothness and success of each event organized. PCEB’s goal is to enhance our Business Events clients’ experience and at the same time to expand
the beneficial economic impact of local MICE businesses.

For more information, please visit http://www.pceb.my and follow them on
Facebook: @PCEB.my
Twitter @PCEB_MY
Instagram @penang.unfiltered

Desaru Coast set to welcome Indian business and leisure travelers in 2018

Malaysia’s First Premium Integrated Destination to increase Tourist Receipts with New Offerings

 “India has always been an important market for Malaysia. In 2016, a total of 6,38,578 Indian travelers visited Malaysia, maintaining its position as the sixth top tourist generating market to the country. Desaru Coast will definitely make the Indian excited and thus giving a boost to arrivals to the country” said Mr. Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Director – Tourism Malaysia, Mumbai. He was speaking during the exclusive preview of Desaru Coast here in Mumbai recently.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Philip Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Theme Parks & Attractions and Chief Commercial Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd. Said, “  “Desaru Coast’s India tour will open doors for us to connect with buyers of all sectors within the travel-value chain commerce whilst positioning Desaru Coast as the destination of choice amongst holidaymakers and business travelers alike within the region. We look forward to sharing a preview of the destination that will appeal to international travelers with its myriad of offerings.”

 Ms. Olivia Ooi, Senior Vice President, Destination Sales & Marketing, 2. Mr. Philip Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Theme Parks & Attractions and Chief Commercial Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd.
3. Ms. Kristine Lim, Vice President, Destination Sales & Marketing

Developed by Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd., Desaru Coast is located at the south-eastern region of Malaysia, spanning over 3,900 acres along an unspoiled 17km beachfront facing the South China Sea. The destination is easily accessible via land, ferry, and air. Desaru Coast is home to four globally renowned hotels and resorts, two world-class golf courses, a themed water park, a retail village as well as a conference centre.

Anchored by Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, one of the world’s biggest water parks with the largest wave pool in Southeast Asia, the attraction also presents visitors with a Malaysian fishing village atmosphere. Visitors can also experience the first water coaster in the region and a unique mix of wet and dry rides.

The fully-integrated beach-front destination will encompass globally renowned hotels and resorts namely The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.

Adding to the vast array of leisure and holistic offerings is Desaru Coast Riverside, a 23-acre water-front landscaped retail and lifestyle village located in the heart of Desaru Coast that delivers an all-inclusive leisure experience, including a range of retail, eateries and entertainment outlets. Completing the unique blend of experiences that the multi-billion-dollar integrated destination has to offer is the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, an equipped multipurpose venue with a banquet area and exhibition space that can host up to 1,000 participants. The conference centre is furnished with meeting and breakout rooms, VIP lounges, a pre-function area, and courtyard to cater to MICE events, corporate functions and entertainment events.

Golf aficionados will get the chance to tee-off at the first Els Club in Southeast Asia, the third in the world, The Els Club Malaysia in Desaru Coast. The Els Club Desaru Coast comprises two championship golf courses, the 27-hole Ocean Course and the 18-hole Valley Course. Managed by Troon Golf, the Ocean Course was designed by 4-time Major Champion, Ernie Els, while the Valley Course was designed in collaboration with Els’ long-standing friend and major champion, Vijay Singh. Golfers can be guaranteed a world-class golf experience with an incredible view.

Desaru Coast is set to unveil its destination offerings in stages, with the opening of The Els Club Desaru Coast – Ocean Course in September 2016 and The Els Club Desaru Coast – Valley Course in March 2017, followed by the remaining components from end June 2018.

The Indian travel community and visitors are welcomed to find out more about the latest updates on Desaru Coast developments at SATTE, New Delhi, Booth no. E170, Hall 1 (January 31^st – February 2^nd, 2018).

For more information, visit www.desarucoast.com

Vitamin E, Vital for Glowing & Youthful Skin #Evion

I started noticing dark patches of pigmentation on my face a few years ago…

Since then my struggle to get rid of them started, as I was mentally not prepared for this development. On finding me anxious about these patches on my face, advice started pouring in from all quarters. Apply Curd, Honey, Lemon, Multani Mitti…what not! I diligently followed some of the advice but of no avail. I showed these to my family doctor who gave me a medicated cream, which also didn’t help much. One of my colleague in the office told me that this is not pigmentation, these are excess calcium deposits on my skin, which further added to my anxiety. I did not where to seek help from as I had lost faith in doctors and skin specialists who made me pop-up six pills every day. It was really getting on my nerves…

…I almost decided to give up!

Then again, while my way home from the office, in local train one lady pointing my patches, identifying herself as skin specialist suggested a cream to me and said, even Priyanka Chopra applies this cream to get rid of her patches. I took a sigh of relief…finally this cream is my calling! Without wasting any time, I rushed to the medical store and paid a bomb for this Jadu ki chadi. Believe me, even after applying 6 tubes regularly for nearly 6 months, my patches did not budge. I am still looking forward to catching that lady.

One leisurely Sunday morning, I came across an ad in HT Brunch which prominently mentioned Vitamin E as the base of that cream. Having lost all faith in creams and lotions, I paid no heed to it, but yes Vitamin E component stayed with me. I started researching on Vitamin E…

So literally, what does Vitamin E stands for? Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in many foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy. The body also needs vitamin E to boost its immune system so that it can fight off invading bacteria and viruses. It helps to widen blood vessels and keep blood from clotting within them. In addition, cells use vitamin E to interact with each other and to carry out many important functions.

After a yearlong struggle, I realized that this problem needs to be attacked inside out, applying creams, lotions, oils, face-wash etc. are of no avail if vital ingredients are not reaching inside. Hence it was important that I make some important changes in my eating habits and add those foods which are a good source of Vitamin E.

So What foods provide vitamin E?

Vitamin E is found naturally in foods and is added to some fortified foods. One can get recommended amounts of vitamin E by eating a variety of foods including the following:

Vegetable oils like wheat germ, sunflower, and safflower oils are among the best sources of vitamin E. Corn and soybean oils also provide some vitamin E.

AF5R1X Fresh spinach

Nuts (such as peanuts, hazelnuts, and, especially, almonds) and seeds (like sunflower seeds) are also among the best sources of vitamin E.

Green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, provide some vitamin E.

Food companies add vitamin E to some breakfast cereals, fruit juices, margarine and spreads, and other foods.

To ensure a consistent supply of Vitamin E, I started eating five soaked almonds every day and added spinach soup to my dinner besides some of the sources mentioned above. Inside was sorted, what about the application on skin.

I came to know about Aloe Vera Gel which claimed to add a glow to the skin and is ayurvedic preparation too. I decided to invest in it chucking my age-old favourite Nivea cream. But what about vitamin E for the skin? On further research, I came across #Evion oil capsules and eureka…what a discovery it turned out to be! Every night I opened one capsule and mixed it with Aloe Vera Gel and applied on my face with a double quote on my patches. Gradually all this started showing results. Friends started telling me, your face is glowing, your patches are going, skin is tightening!

Now I have got Evion Vitamin Cream which I use everynight.

Vitamin E oil works to block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the ageing process. If we can fight off free radicals, then we can reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking.

Now you see it to believe it, these drastically lightened…making me happier!

This was Vitamin E and Evion capsules for me.

I hope you will draw inspiration from story on combatting dark patches, loss of glow and loosening of skin with Vitamin E and you can have details from #Evion website: http://www.evion.co.in/

This is my entry for the My Vitamin E mantra contest being held on Indiblogger by Evion.

The Great Mumbai Shopping Festival is here!

Aamchi Mumbai is all set host apro “The Mumbai Shopping Festival” from January 12 – 31^st organized by MTDC,  purportedly on the lines of the Dubai shopping festival.

It will be first of the kind grand shopping cum fun and fair mela with many themes like fashion shows, street performance and more all around Mumbai city and Suburban, Thane and Navi Mumbai area. Complete 3 weeks (20 days Shopping festival mela) starting 12th January 2018 will last till the end of the month will be a grand trade fair and discounted shopping event with an extra dose of late night fun and fair with hotels, airlines giving discounts and restaurant and bars opened late night too. A great opportunity to enjoy best discounts and offers at more than 50 different locations in Mumbai.

MSF 2018 is a joint initiative of ‘Maharashtra Tourism’, ‘OMCPL’, ‘Maharashtra Unlimited’ and ‘Visit Maharashtra’. A festival dedicated to shopping here forth putting Mumbai city on the world map as a huge Shopping Destination. These 20 days events bring in Entertainment, Prizes, Lifestyle, Great Experience with almost every part of Mumbai on Sale, Discount and Offers of about 5000+ local & international brands covering South Mumbai, Western Suburban, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Far North Vasai Virar locations. Many Associate partners like MCHI Credai, Naredco, FICCI, GJEPC India, Retailer Association of India, India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd and Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association gave support and push to this festival. The Opening ceremony of this festive event will be held on 12th January at BKC (Jio Garden) and Similarly Closing at Gateway of India on 31st January 2018 by Hon’ble CM.

Shopping Partners

Shopping destination and Hospitality partners like Malls, Restaurants, Hotels, Various Retail Outlets, Departmental Stores, Petrol Stations, Airlines, General Stores, Movie Theatres, Online Shopping giants are all connected together for this mega shopping event of Mumbai. Below are the listed partners:

Music Concerts, About 13 Stage and Sports Events and Many performing arts can be observed at 13 various locations in Mumbai city, Suburbs, Thane and Navi Mumbai area. Below are the details.

Street Performances

Music Concerts for all genre performed by Bollywood and Marathi folk world along with Local Musicians and talents less known. College and Rock bands, International EDM artists will all be seen rocking late night performing Classical, Rock, Indie Pop, Jazz and more.

Venues

Bandra Carter Road, Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park, Worli Sea Face, International & Domestic Airport, Juhu Beach, Outside 3 Star Hotel Kharghar (Navi Mumbai), Vashi Railway Station, Galleria Mall Powai, Upvan Lake Thane, Cypress Garden Mulund and Maxus Mall Mira Road.

Late Night Zones & Bazaar

During Weekends, Late night Bazaars are organized opened till and wee hours (Till 4 Am). Few locations are kept wide open for fun and entertainment for family and friends to enjoy along with shopping. Below are the dates and late night locations :

• 13th January & 14th January (Bandra Jio Garden, BKC)
• 19th January & 20th January (Mindspace Malad Link Road)
• 26th January & 27th January (Powai)
• Food Trucks and Khao Galli Food Options
• 

Food Truck Association of India will showcase food options at the trending food truck eateries of Mumbai. These will be a weekend fun and eateries zone with dates as detailed below :

13th and 14th January at Worli Seaface.

19th and 20th January at Mindspace Malad.

26th and 27th January at Powai.

Infiniti and InOrbit Mall Malad, High Street Phoenix Lower Parel, Phoenix Market City Kurla, Oberoi Mall Goregaon, RCity Mall Ghatkopar, Grand Central at Seawood Navi Mumbai and Thane Viviana Mall.

Super Markets Brands & Grocery Stores

DMart, Big Bazaar, Crossword, The Bombay Store, Reliance Fresh, Haiko Powai, Vijay Sales Outlets, Nature’s Basket, Reliance Mart and Digital outlets.

The idea is to come to Mumbai, enjoy its delicacies, visit tourist spots and shop, availing attractive discounts everywhere. “It is going to be a unique experience!