It has been over 10 months since the pandemic hit our shores and we are slowly limping back to normalcy – although in a new form. By now, many of us must have experienced COVID19 or have had someone close who has been impacted by it, and all of us have been subject to some sort of stress associated with it. This is especially true for those who have had a close experience of the illness and its affects. It is mainly because of the nature of the illness, quarantine requirements and relatively long convalescence period; the impact of COVID19 on patients has taken a huge mental toll.
Help provided by support groups like family and friends is crucial in making the road to recovering from the infection smoother. So, let’s take a look at some measures that can be taken to help loved ones recuperate faster from the illness:
The stigma associated with COVID19 can be a cause for concern, especially as the person may blame themselves for being the point source of spread and possible exposure for other loved ones. Constant reassurance and patience need to be shown when dealing with such a situation. Focus on recovery rather than the cause/ source of the infection
The daily routine activities can also be one of the areas of difficulty for a person recovering from moderate to severe form of the illness; especially on the account of the fatigue produced by it. Helping them deal with their daily chores not only allows the person to get much needed physical rest but also is a gesture of mental assurance and support
Anxiety is frequently being seen in patients recovering from the illness. Causes of which can vary from the social distancing norms in place for care, fear of progression of the illness, fear of infecting others, worries about the future, and sense of being a burden on the family. Having an open discussion with your loved ones, talking about their anxieties, and helping them cope through relaxation exercises or mindfulness practices can help in this regard
Major psychiatric disorders such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may also get precipitated due to the stress associated with the diagnosis and the unfamiliar experience during admission and treatment. Helping them identify and adapt to these situations is perhaps one of the most important roles that you will play as a caregiver. If needed you can also seek the help of a mental health professional nearby
The unpredictable nature of the illness and the diverse nature of complications can also be a source of constant worry for the patient. Helping them distract their mind as well as helping them filter and limit the flow of information to an authentic and accurate source can help reduce unnecessary rumination of negative thoughts and worries.
One thing we really need to remember is to reach out for help, if you yourself, or a loved one are experiencing stress or anxiety – speaking to a confidant, your partner and your mental health expert is the right way to go.
About the Author
Dr Kedar Tilwe, is the Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund & Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital
NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakmé Fashion Week’ will be the first of its kind experience in India’s fashion world
Lakmé Fashion Week and NEXA have brought to the fore pathbreaking and inspiring innovations through technology and keeping up that momentum, they are all set to introduce the country’s first-ever ‘NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakmé Fashion Week.’
NEXA Digital Couture promises to bring to consumers a one-of-a-kind innovation of the digital age that allows for customized couture and an enthralling user experience. Bringing this concept to life will be celebrated and esteemed designers from the fashion fraternity – Abraham & Thakore, Payal Singhal, Amit Aggarwal, Huemn, Kanika Goyal and Ridhi Mehra.
Payal Singhal for NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakme Fashion Week
Amit Aggarwal for NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakme Fashion Week
Ridhi Mehra for NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakme Fashion Week
Each designer will be developing a sketch that will then be transformed into a 3D virtual garment, rendered on a model for the showcase.
Kanika Goyal for NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakme Fashion Week
HUEMN for NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakme Fashion Week
Though this innovation works as a solution during Covid Times, NEXA Digital Couture paves a new way of showcasing garments and consumption. Bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, the designers can convert the virtual dress to physical on request or sell it as an outfit that can be worn digitally by the consumer.
Abraham and Thakore for NEXA Digital Couture in association with Lakme Fashion Week
Commenting on introducing NEXA Digital Couture, Jaspreet Chandok, Head – Lifestyle Businesses IMG Reliance said, “The introduction of Digital Couture moving beyond physical restraints marks yet another first not only for the platform but also for the country. We are extremely thrilled to bring NEXA Digital Couture – a never-seen-before innovation through our partnership with NEXA. This futuristic concept marks the next step in consumer dressing and purchase.”
Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki commented,“Considering the times we live in, customers have changed the way they consume media. They are leaning more towards digital. This prompted us at NEXA to bring something new and innovative in line with our philosophy of Create. Inspire. In association with Lakmé Fashion Week, NEXA is introducing India’s first-ever Digital Couture. It is a unique concept that will redefine the fashion and lifestyle space in the coming years. NEXA is delighted to collaborate with 6 distinguished fashion designers to put this concept into reality.”
Aashmeen Munjaal, Director of Star Hair & Make-up Academy celebrated the 5th Season of Asia’s biggest Make-up & Hair Championship. The grand event also witnessed the presence of Star Academy students for the annual convocation held at Star Academy, branch Delhi NCR.
The jury for the event comprised of renowned faces like Bollywood & TV Actor Aman Yatan Verma and many more.
Aman Yatan Verma
The evening was all about Imagination & transformation. Aashmeen Munjaal’s Star Makeup and hair Academy students got convocated & presented extraordinary creations on the ramp. Models portrayed the world of Wedding makeovers, Fantasy Makeover & Hair designing. The Winners & Runners up were presented with Trophy & Cash Prizes by actor Aman Yatan Verma and other prominent personalities. More than 300 students of Star Makeup and hair Academy branches i.e Pusa Road, Pitampura, Kamla Nagar, Preet Vihar, South Ex participated in various categories in the fourth season of much-awaited FACEOFF CHAMPIONSHIP.
Aashmeen Munjaal, Director Star Salon & academy
Annie Munjaal, daughter Aashmeen Munjaal
Every year a grand Graduation Day & FACEOFF CHAMPIONSHIP is held to encourage the students of Star Academy. The event witnessed the mélange of Fashion & Tradition, makeover shows and ramp walk by the academy students. Stepping shoes for their new journey, freshers got a wider platform and exposure to showcase their skills and talent. Talking about the same, Director of Star Salon & Academy Aashmeen Munjaal stated, “Face-off Championship is always an amalgamation of imagination and creation. This is all about the different levels of make-up artists and hair teams. This championship has three different rounds for our students of Creative make-up, and hairdo’. We give them a chance to show up their creativity.”
Pop some champagne as the Indian origin British pop-star, Arzutra Garielle, has announced her next music single titled ‘Manchali’. Different to her usual love songs launched this year, Manchali is a motivational single carrying a strong empowering message – anything can be achieved by any woman on the planet if only they dream hard enough. The video also features young girls and women from different walks of life sharing their own message on #GirlPower.The very talented Arzutra will be gifting us Manchali for the holiday season launching 25th December which will be inspiring us ahead of the new year. This energetic song has been produced by legendary composer Atif Ali with co-producer Tabraiz Haroon. Directed by Arzutra herself, the video shows a story of a little girl who dreamed to be a singer.
The video captures the journey of the little girl who’s passion & grit made her work tirelessly through the years until she finally made it to the big stage, singing live, to a crowd of thousands.Arzutra is the 1st Indian female singer who has involved fans in such an empowering way as she wanted to inspire other females to fulfil their dreams just like she did. Arzutra says in her own words, “My parents wanted me to be an accountant but I wanted to be a singer. They never understood me. I had to break free of my family’s expectations. I became an outcast for following my dream because achieving my dream became an obsession for me. No-one could relate to me. Until I started becoming successful at what I do”. Having so many girls participating in the music video sharing their message is a clear indicator that Arzutra wants to inspire others as well as showcase her own talents. “Us girls need to help and support each other to the top. We need to move away from a me-me-me world” and move more into an I-You-We world,” says Arzutra.
Manchali is from the 2nd Album launching early next year. With the next single confirmed to be out as early as Valentines, this is the time to make the most of Manchali.
A FAMILIAR FAVOURITE OR A NEW ADVENTURE: RE-DISCOVER THE DESTINATION WITH
THE RESIDENCE BY CENIZARO
By Seema Dhawan
After nearly a year of travel restrictions and uncertainty, 2021 is the year to create lasting memories in countries we have always dreamed of visiting. The Residence by Cenizaro is encouraging guests to connect with the destination, soak up the culture, experience new traditions and learn from the locals during a stay at their collection of luxury hotels in some of the world’s most desirable places.
THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES AT DHIGURAH
Reconnect with nature – Cycle along sandy paths under the shade of tall coconut trees, walk across the longest private bridge in the Maldives whilst spotting turtles in the pristine waters and swim in one of the destinations deepest and largest atolls, abundant with baby sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and a multitude of colourful fishes. To delve deeper into this magical underwater world, hop onboard one of our dhoni boats and explore the coral reefs nearby on a snorkelling safari.
Relax and unwind – With a Spa by Clarins, aqua yoga classes in the infinity pool and breath-taking sunsets from every part of the island, it is not hard to feel refreshed and recharged. Taking wellness one step further, the three-day Holistic Healing & Awakening Retreat looks to minimise stress through corrective lifestyle coaching with an indigenous and traditional Ayurveda approach, using a combination of yoga and holistic healing to de-stress, revitalise the senses, restore good health and even improve the body’s immunity.
Cook up a storm – Ideal for budding chefs, the Maldivian Cooking Class invites you to cook alongside the Executive Chef and his talented team. An adventurous culinary journey of taste awaits as you will discover unique spice combinations, enjoy freshly picked vegetables grown in our kitchen garden, and finish the class with a delicious lunch at The Falhumaa.
THE RESIDENCE MAURITIUS
Hidden gems to explore – Organised by the talented concierge team, the Southern Wonders tour takes you to the wilder southern region of Mauritius to explore some of the island’s most naturally breath-taking sites. Begin with a visit to the enchanting Grand Bassin lake, a sacred lake for those of Hindu faith who believe that the water inside the lake communicates directly with the waters of the holy River Ganges in India. Travel on to the Black River Gorges national park whose rolling hills and dense forests are home to many endangered species of plants and animals. Follow a route through sugarcane fields to Rochester Falls, the widest waterfall in Mauritius and then witness the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel, a small area of sand dunes that comprise sand of seven distinct colours.
Crystal clear waters – Head to our Boat House to try a variety of complimentary water sports, including water skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. Learn to sail onboard a Hobie Cat or hop onboard the glass bottom boat for a glimpse below the turquoise waters, home to over 400 different underwater creatures including Spotfin porcupinefish, Crown squirrelfish and Indian Lionfish, in addition to 200 different species of colourful coral.
Traditional rituals – At the Spa, The Sanctuary Ritual is inspired by local traditions, with ancestors using the methods for skin rejuvenation and glow. Take pleasure in a delightful dry body brushing with local coconut husk and enhance the skins natural glow with coconut exfoliation. A deep tissue massage will ensure you feel completely relaxed and aromatherapy is used to release muscle tension.
THE RESIDENCE BINTAN
Weekend getaway – A great escape for a twin-centre with one of Asia’s most iconic destinations, Singapore, Bintan Island is just a one-hour ferry ride away and is the largest of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, ideal for visitors wanting to combine urban and island travel in one trip.
Traditional skills – Learn traditional Batik Painting techniques and take part in tie-dye classes, and even authentic culinary lessons. For the adventurous, eco-friendly tours include the Mangrove sites and visits to local Heritage markets, selling a variety of hand-made goods. For the little ones, the Kakatu Kids Club offers a world of island-inspired fun in the sun, from Bird House Painting to attract the many different species to tie-dying t-shirts and Junior Masterchef classes where little chefs will learn to make simple but yummy dishes. Activities are organised by the concierge team.Unlimited cuisine – With five restaurants, each offering dishes from around the world, you will be spoilt for choice. The Dining Room features Western specialities and Asian dishes with a modern twist whilst signature restaurant, Rica Rica, serves authentic Indonesian cuisine. For a lighter option, The Pool Bar offers tasty bites and cool drinks, the perfect refreshment when lounging in the sun. Indulge in Surf & Turf every Friday and on Saturday nights, head down to the beach for a Galang Batang BBQ. The blooming Kitchen Garden provides delicious produce that is used in our kitchens, ensuring all food remains local and sustainable. Our resort is also home to a family or chickens and ducks who lay fresh eggs every day and the latest addition, a ‘spice garden’, is full of herbs from which you can learn to make jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic.
THE RESIDENCE ZANZIBAR
Dolphin spotting – Explore Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters, spot dolphins playing in the shallows or enjoy a snorkelling expedition around the reefs of a deserted sandbank. For an unforgettable experience, head out on a traditional dhow sailing boat for a day of island hopping and snorkelling or cruise to Menai Bay Conservation Area for a chance to swim up close with dolphins.
An unforgettable breakfast – Our resort’s 66 luxuriously appointed villas offer the perfect combination of spaciousness and privacy, all featuring a private pool and soothing garden, beach or ocean views, which makes it easy to relax and unwind. For an indulgent treat, order our floating breakfast. Served in the pool on a floating wicker basket, this decadent option features fresh fruits, delicious pastries and glasses of bubbly champagne.
Search for rare monkeys – Often found hanging out in the lush trees surrounding the hotel, the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey is unique to Zanzibar and incredibly rare. A trip to Jozani Forest Reserve, which provides a large area of protection for the species, is not to be missed. The forest and its large mangrove swamp are home to other unique species including the Sykes monkey and an amazing array of butterflies and birds.
THE RESIDENCE TUNIS
Hole in one – Our 18-hole Residence Golf Course is a veritable jewel set between the sea and a salt lake, at the heart of a nature reserve. You will enjoy magnificent views as you challenge yourself on the links set around the edges of the lake and intricate fairways that meander through changing scenery, punctuated by water obstacles. The Golf Academy de Gammarth is the ideal spot to perfect your abilities, featuring a wide driving range and dedicated area for practicing long drives, chipping and putts.
3,000 years of history – Just a short drive from the hotel, the ancient Punic city of Carthage was destroyed and then rebuilt by the Romans and still has many archaeological sites. Perched at the top of a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village, with bright blue and whitewashed buildings and a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets.
UNESCO-protected – Dating back to as early as the 4th century BC, the Medina of Tunis is a world removed from the more modern part of the city. Extending over 270 hectares, it houses 700 historic monuments including palaces, mosques, fountains and mausoleums – reminders of its illustrious past.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
TUNA CANNELLONI CRUSTED WITH CUMIN FLAVOURED LIGHT SPICY TAMARIND SAUCE
This month, we wanted to share our delicate and spicy Tuna Cannelloni recipe from The Residence Mauritius. Enjoy!
Tuna Cannelloni ingredients:
3 pieces of tuna
2 tsp avocado
1 cup of crunchy vegetables
Chilli Bite ingredients:
3 cups of yellow peas
3/4L water
2 tsp chopped onion
2 tsp chopped coriander
2 tsp chopped spring onion
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Tamarind Sauce ingredients:
1 packet of tamarind
5 cups of sugar
1L water
Pinch of salt
Method – Tuna Cannelloni:
Deep fry the tuna pieces in oil until brown
Puree the avocado and spread across the centre of the plate
Place the crunchy vegetables on one side of the plate and the three tuna pieces on the puree, once coated in chilli paste
Method – Chilli Bite:
Put the yellow peas in a bowl of water for 8 hours
Remove the peas from the water and blend into a paste
Mix all other ingredients with the paste
Coat the three pieces of tuna in chilli paste
Method – Tamarind Sauce:
Mix the tamarind and water in a pot
In a pan, make a caramel with the sugar and then slowly pour the tamarind into the mixture
Let the mixture cool until it thickens and then seasons with salt.
Designed and executed by Ruchi Gehani and Rashi Bohtra, Co- Founders of Azure Interiors
Spread over an area of 50,000 sq ft, Clarks Inn Suites, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a space of luxury and comfort got a classic makeover carrying the yin-yang theme across the whole space.
Project Description:
Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, the Principal Designers of Raipur-based Azure Interiors added a feather to their cap when they were given the responsibility to carry out the interiors of the new Clarks Inn Suites in their hometown.
Spread over an area of 50,000 sq ft, the 52 key suites hotel is located in one of the bustling areas of the city and surrounded by many other hotels. Therefore, with Clarks Inn Suites, it was imperative for Rashi and Ruchi to create an exclusive, spectacular and out-of-the-box space that would make a statement – that of luxury, style, drama all wrapped in one.
One gets a glimpse of their innate sense of design, eye for detailing and modern refined approach when one enters the hotel itself. The double-height lobby features striking triangular patterned black and white Italian marble flooring, columns latticed with brass strips and a gorgeous gold-toned front desk. Bold, beautiful and oozing with sophistication, this front desk positioned opposite the main door, has been given a fluid wave-like form. Made from wood and flexi ply, it is enveloped in gold leafing giving the table an opulent look. Behind the desk, a huge 10-ft wide painting hangs proudly on afluted wood panel with black PU and brass edgings.
The hotel also comprises of 2 restaurants on the ground floor itself. The black and white flooring continues throughout the floor with a different pattern for each space balanced out with jewel-toned furniture, bespoke light fixtures, finishes and spurts of green. The designers have laid out checkerboard flooring in the fine-dine restaurant and contrasted it with pink leather upholstered chairs and sofas having metal legs. A circular private dining area encased in metal bars stands in the centre of the restaurant. Creepers hanging from the metal crate on the pillar, the wall with a metallic texture and glass ribbed lights fixtures emanating a sun-like pattern are some beautiful elements that make the space truly unique. On the other hand, the all-day diner adjoining the lobby has a warm appeal, achieved through the use of wood on both the floor and ceiling. Exuding charm and richness in equal doses, the green and blue furniture here add a pop of colour while the custom made light fixtures and brass jaali are the well-etched out details that amplify the design quotient of the space.
This yin-yang theme is continued in the look and feel of the restrooms on the ground floor as well. Zig-zag stripes adorn the floor and one half of the walls here. The other half gets a back painted glass covering. Green planters and a red leaf painting bring some relief to the monochromatic space.While the thoughtfully planted greenery on the lower floor is for the guests to experience a fresh-outdoorsy atmosphere in an indoor otherwise monotone setting, a dedicated indoor herb room called “SabzBagh” has been created to lay emphasis on the fact that the hotel uses its own freshly-grown herbs in the restaurants.
In direct contrast to the very expressive, contemporary lobby and adjoining areas on the ground floor, a more pared-back design approach is taken in the bedrooms at Clarks Inn Suites that exude a warm and comforting vibe. A harmonious colour palette through shades of grey along with elegant furniture and no over-the-top trimmings make these rooms a perfect example of understated luxury. The bathrooms too have been done up in white with a similar ethos.
The designers focused strongly on form as the major element of expression in the interiors, choosing elegant materials to build up layers of patterns, ultimately expressing a unified message throughout. The bespoke reception table, bathroom vanities, light fixtures, varied finishes on the walls using paint, metal foil and glass are elements that give each space in the hotel its own characteristic appeal while also being part of the larger, truly inspired design scheme.
Fact File
Project: Clarks Inn Suites Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh Client: Mr Rakesh Agarwal Area: 50,000 sq ft Design firm: Azure Interiors
“In 24 years in the cosmetics industry, I can think of few ingredients that stand out simply because of their performance and efficacy… but hemp is one of them.”
– The Body Shop founder, Anita Roddick
The Body Shop Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask with Hemp Seed Oil from France:
Give parched skin a drink with The Body Shop’s new overnight nourishing face mask. Richly hydrating without greasiness, the mask gets to work while you sleep so you can wake up to skin that feels softer and comforted, and quenched for up to 72 hrs.
Price: INR 2195
The Body Shop Hemp Hardworking Hand Protector:
This heavy-duty hydrator has been one of The Body Shop’s bestsellers for over 20 years. It moisturises very dry skin for up to 24 hours, so it’s legendary for hardworking hands exposed to the elements. Every 100ml tube contains 966 hemp seeds.
Price: INR 450
The Body Shop New! Hemp Hydrating & Protecting Shower Oil with 10%Pure Hemp Seed Oil:
Now you can get hemp power in your shower. This silky oil transforms into a rich lather to quench ultra-dry skin without stripping or drying. It helps protect skin’s natural moisture barrier, and skin hydration is boosted by a third after use.
Price: INR 1595
Ingredients Details:
Hemp Seed Oil From France: The Body Shop’s hemp seed oil is sustainably sourced in France. By sourcing our hemp seed oil from a cooperative of 300 farmers, we support the creativity and collective vision of these individuals to make their local area more biodiverse and beautiful.
Hemp Hardworking Hand for Hands That Hustle: Hemp Hand Protector has become the hero of gardeners, mechanics, carpenters and baristas. Research shows that in a tech-heavy world, hands-on jobs are making a comeback. We’re hustling harder than ever.
By Darshana Patel and Rashmin Perla, Co- founder and Principal Designers of Bangalore-based Signa Design
Spread over an area of 1,350 sq ft, this three bedroom apartment is a plush space with a single large open social space as its defining feature which defines a sense of urban chic luxury and comfort living, Located in Zenium at off Airport Road, Bangalore.
Project Description:
It’s a tricky thing really, to design a space that is modern and muted yet vividly engaging.This three- bedroom apartment is a new age compact apartment with a single large open social space as its defining feature.The space was designed to be a young,vibrant and boutique studio living with a distinct New York SoHo vibe. The interior design firm carefully plans and intricately crafts every individual project. Anyone familiar with a designer’s aesthetic knows how they revel in creating multi functional spaces with just the right hints of color and texture with seamlessly blending elements of traditional craftsmanship with modern and sophisticated living.
The entrance opens into the living-cum-dining room that moves into a balcony.The living space has an antique mirror sliding TV panel with a bar on one side. The sofa is veneer backed with storage compartment arms set against an oversized art wall collection. The vibrance of floral wall paper, and curtains is offset with use of pastels and wood. The reading nook in tan leather with marble and brass side table cum lamp is set against a busy floral wall paper creating a stylish space.
The kitchen is a play on black grooved facia with and pastels to create a chic, new age yet functional to the needs. The open kitchen is flanked by a suspended steel shelving system with LED glass shelves creating a partition and additional space for the kitchen without cramping the space. The kitchen counter-top also doubles as a side table unit to the dining table. The dining table is a marble top with metal frame against tan leather chairs.
Moving into the bedroom, where one relax after a tiring day. The master bedroom is a cosy setting with leather finished wallpaper with brass inlay strips with floating wall mounted side tables. The room setting is kept subtle keeping in mind the calmness one feels from the city hustle.
Slipping into the kid’s room, one always seeks for innovation and style that reflects a kid’s trait in their room. Here the designer conceptualized the kids bedroom with a weathered wood feel with the bunk bed, wardrobe. The side table is our take on a Rubik cube and the wall paper is a printed post card prints.
A compact guest room features a wall mounted side table with a large headboard with a minimal console for TV and writing table that doubles as a dresser.
“Adaptive design is important to understand the client requirements, likes, dislikes and design cues. My ability to custom create the furniture in my own factory is my signature style. Every single fixture and each furniture for this project including the metalwork has been custom made, adding that sense of uniqueness and cohesiveness to the design,” shares Ms. Darshana Patel – Head Designer – Signa Design.
Fact File
Size of Apartment – 1,350 square feet Year Completed – 2019 Location – Airport Road, Bangalore Lead Designers – Darshana Patel and Rashmin Perla
Signa Design is a 13 year old boutique luxury multi award winning design studio headquartered in Bangalore with offices in Mumbai and Chennai. The design ethos of the firm is in creating original design.
About the Founders – Darshana Patel and Rashmin Perla Darshana is an alumni from ls raheja school of architecture, mumbai with over 15 years of practice.Rashmin Perla is an alumni from IHM, Chennai with over 25 years of hotel projects and spa design experience. Singh Design was founded in 2007 and is a multi-award-winning boutique luxury interior design firm. The founders believe that for a design to be successful it must satisfy function, form and financial logic in full and we call this the f3 approach. Our projects are a testament to this approach. They spent considerable time understanding the requirement, design cues and then developing the drawings and renders.
