A few years ago sustainable living seemed like a fad – something that wouldn’t “sustain” for too long. But now the clarion call is unmistakable. We HAVE to double down on reusing, thrifting, buying less, using less and thinking more about the state we’re leaving the planet in. Sustainable living is far from just a global trend; it’s an absolute necessity. Small, yet consistent eco-friendly …
‘Western’ Trends That Actually Have Indian Origins
How many times have you stumbled upon a trend and have wanted to scream, “That’s not new! We’ve been doing it for years!” Today, wellness, sustainability, and slow living are all the rage and we did it first. The most recent one I saw was our beautiful and elegant dupatta renamed to “Scandinavian Scarf”. Apart from obviously Yoga there are plenty more where that came …
5 Indian Chocolate Brands Staking Their Claim
Remember sharing a melted bar of chocolate with your friends after school? Lying in the depths of your school bag, smashed beneath books and somehow holding on within the confines of the packaging. Remember tearing it open only to have multiple forefingers appear out of nowhere to dig in, scooping up the liquified chocolate? Remember licking the foil afterwards – metallic taste and all. For …
10 Signs You’re Part of India’s New-Age Middle Class
Once defined by thrift, government jobs, and two-wheelers, today’s new-age middle class is aspirational, digitally savvy, brand-conscious, and increasingly global in mindset. If you’ve ever wondered whether you belong to this evolving demographic, here are 10 unmistakable signs you’re part of India’s modern middle class. You Prioritise Experiences Over Possessions Gold, cars and real estate are all good, but the new-age middle class loves experiences. …
6 Hinglish Movies That Set the Benchmark For Indian Cinema
Despite its popularity and deity-like status its actors enjoy, Bollywood is but a small part of the giant that is Indian cinema. Off-beat Hinglish movies have been gaining some traction and there are some that have set the stage for them. These movies are a must-watch to understand the issues and experiences that are so unique to us and the depth and profoundness of Indian …
11 Regional Chutneys and Pickles That Are Totally Underrated
Across the country, there are dozens of lesser-known regional chutneys and pickles made from seasonal, local ingredients—some foraged, some grown in home gardens, and all packed with unique flavours. These are the pickles that don’t always come in labelled jars or make it to supermarket shelves. They’re made in small batches, often at home, and have strong cultural roots. Bhoot Jolokia Achar – Assam Not …
Seven Traditional Scents to Elevate Your Home
The smell of filter coffee from your attai’s kitchen or the ghee-soaked parathas sizzling on a hot tava, or even something as universally loved as petrichor – there’s something instantly comforting about a space that smells fresh, warm, floral or familiar. Traditional scents that have been typically used for personal and household care, are a natural way to keep your home smelling lovely. These time-tested …
Affordable Home Styling Tips For A New Home
Buying a house is expensive and if you don’t keep a budget, doing up the interiors can get way out of hand. The sheer variety of shelves, sofas, dining tables, wall hangings, and gewgaws can make you go a little nutty and you will need to rein yourself in. The best way to fill up your newly bought nest AND plan affordable home styling is …
Best Indian brands for recycled products
Sustainability has to be a way of life to be a way of business – Anand Mahindra. Fast fashion is doing a number on the environment and while the business sector is a behemoth that cannot be stopped without the conscious effort of every single person that consumes it. Fast everything, in fact, is making our world that much more unsustainable and polluted to boot. …
6 Home-grown Healthy Cereal Brands
Conscious eating has caught on in India, with people ditching packaged junk food. The rise of fit-fluencers and nutritionists on social media has also contributed to mindful eating with an emphasis on nutritional value. In this climate, quality and nutritious options to the sugar-loaded energy bars and crispy snacks have soared with a few making their name and earning their audience in the country. Home-grown healthy …