DocDivaTraveller: 2018

The first time I ever caught a glimpse of the trulli was when I was ten I think. I was watching my favourite show on Discovery Kids: My beautiful house which featured cultures from a different country in each episode. The show had three parts: Music, animal and home of that respective country. The day featured Italy. That was the very day when I fell in love with Venice, its carnival, spaghetti and of course trulli. I never knew that half an hour of television during childhood would affect me so deeply.

When we were planning our Italiano viaggio, we were in a fix as to what all to include in 14 days. I could spend a month in Italy and still not be satisfied. My partner had a different agenda, while I was adamant on few places (with a few common cities like Venice, Florence and Rome). He insisted on Naples and Amalfi Coast while I was stubborn on Cinque Terre. However there was one place which hubs was dead against (because of odd location) and I was very sure of: Alberobello...The land of Trulli. After watching the melodious song of the movie Bachna E Haseeno, I was dead sure that I had to visit it.

Alberobello is a tiny town in the Puglia province. It was far from all the places we were visiting. The only way to reach there was to go to Bari, the capital of Puglia and then take a train to the land of trulli. It took 10 hours to reach Bari from Venice. That evening we explored Bari, which seemed a different world than rest of Italy. The next morning, we took a train to my dream land.

Trullo is a small hut built of stone, the roofs of which are made of loose stones. The plural is called trulli. These huts were used to store grains. Sometimes they were used for living also, the stone walls and roof provided coolness during summers and warmth during winters. It is believed that the Apulian people built these to evade revenue. Whenever there used to be a raid for taxes, they could dismantle the entire trullo and go somewhere else.

The trulli are found only in Alberobello in entire Italy. Now its a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I am really lucky that I could fulfil my wish of visiting this place.

There are two villages mainly: Riene Monti and Aia Piccolo. Riene Monti is larger and is bustling with tourists. If you want solo pictures, you have to be really early to reach there. The views from Aia Piccolo of Riene Monti are spectacular. I could spend an entire day there but we had a flight to catch back to Rome. So we had lunch quickly. I could not enjoy my grilled sea bass and had to rip it off with my fingers for faster devouring. Others were staring at me in shock! We Indians eat fish with hands only!

It was the best possible conclusion to our Italian Trip!

Skirt: Forever 21

Top: Forever 21

Blazer: H n M (Italy)

Purse: Jabong.com

Sunnies: Forever 21

12/29/2018 8 comments

If you are anything like me, then you can't be glued to the television all the time. In fact, no one can be! We all are working professionals and we have a definite niche of what we watch on TV. Like I love to stick to travel, fashion and lifestyle with occasional Bollywood. So why should I pay for the entire package?

In recent months, TRAI are facing an ongoing battle with the Broadcasters, especially with the people of Star group. Now, the Supreme Court dismissed the appealof broadcasters and cemented Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) tariff order for pricing and packaging of TV channels.As per the new tariff order, broadcasters were required to declare the MRP and nature of all the channels.

So basically, they would have to put it up on their websites and social media that they are following the order by TRAI and submit a list of paid channels and grouped channels online. What TRAI is trying to do is give the consumer more options, and the broadcasters are affected as the prices for channels have been dropped marginally, giving us the option to choose only the channels we want to watch, and not the entire package.

Does it benefit the Consumer? Maybe!

It is debatable, although TRAI claims its basically keeping in mind the consumer’s choices. But we are still to find out the long game TRAI is playing. Some of their mandate is mentioned below -

• A-la-carte offering -Now the broadcasters are required to offer all their television channels on an a-la-carte basis. So that we can exactly select what we want to watch.

• Spreading the news out-Now the broadcasters are required to publish a reference, which mentions the maximum retail price of a pay channel per month and the maximum retail price of a bouquet of pay channels per month.

• Maximum discounts -Since channels will be provided on a a-la-carte basis, it would be cheaper instead of buying the entire package. Such a win, ain't it?

Conclusion -

The Supreme Court, by keeping the validity of the Regulations and the Tariff Order, has changed the broadcasting game in India, as this will certainly have an impact on how consumers are offered television channels and essentially allowing more flexibility and true choice to consumers in relation to the channels they want to subscribe to and pay for.

I am not sure how this would play out at the end of the day, however, I hope that the consumers get a chance to choose their options rather than the operators choosing it for them. Hopefully, next year would be a year for consumers, and not money makers. We have to #StopTheLoot

12/26/2018 3 comments

So you are blessed with a new born. You are elated. Motherhood is a blessing indeed and you are immensely grateful. But it's also the toughest role in the whole world! That tiny, wriggling, helpless soul is entirely dependent on you for its well being. And you are hell scared as to how to fulfill your role as the perfect mother.

A new born needs to be kept clean all the time. Bath is just for once a day. But what about those other times? The new born baby burps milk numerous times and poops at least twice or thrice a day! You can't use water and cloth every time... it's not practical! For these occasions you need wipes..but are they safe to be used on a neonate?

Mother Sparsh has come up with 99% water wipes. #SensitiveBabyWipes

Ingredients:

There is nothing safer than pure water for babies...is there? So these water wipes are certified absolutely safe for new born babies. They don't contain any alcohol or parabens or sulphates or even fragrances! The cloth is of medical grade and is made from the finest quality of natural plant fabric. #MedicalGradeCloth It is three times thicker than other wipes, making it absolutely safe for neonatal sensitive skin.

Fragrance Free:

Also since they are 99% water based wipes, free from any kind of artificial fragrances, they can be used multiple times on a baby's skin... including neonates. #UnscentedWipes .Since they are made of natural plant fabric and of the optimum thickness, they are non allergic and non reactive on baby's skin. These cotton based wipes can be used to wipe all the parts of the body like face and hands and not just baby bottoms. They are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, so you can be assured of the safety of your baby. These wipes provide all round protection to your little one. In fact it's the best gift for neonates and infants.

Travel Friendly Packaging:

The biggest problem with cloth and water is that they cannot be carried or are absolutely impractical during travel.That is why wipes are so handy. But the problem is that they often dry out after repeatedly opening the pack and pulling out few wipes daily. This is where Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes again scores over. These come with a protective plastic lid that locks the moisture and freshness of the wipes. The lid also prevents entry of dirt and germs.

100% Biodegradable:

Last but not the least, these are 100% biodegradable wipes. It's very important that we care about mother nature too. If we don't, then a day would come that this earth won't be suitable for survival. It's important to use everything responsibly and when you are using biodegradable consumables, it's one of the little steps that you take for mother nature which makes a huge difference.
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For all us mothers out there, this has been the most awaited launch of the unscented variant of Mother Sparsh wipes. #NewLaunch

The pack of 72 wipes is priced at INR299. Happy Parenting!

12/24/2018 6 comments

Happy December loves! Just a week left for 2018 to end! Even Diwali has flown by and Christmas is just 3 days away! Well what does December and post Diwali phase have in common? Cold weather! Yes! The nip in the air is finally here. For the past one week, we have switched off the fans. And I am snuggled up in a cozy blanket early in the morning. And whenever I head out, be it for an event or for my clinic, I am decked up in cozy fashion dresses. The weather is crisp and we are craving warmth. I am going to love this pleasant weather till the time Delhi turns bitter cold.

What is your favourite winter clothing? Though I love sweaters and scarves, my all time favourites are coats. Overcoats, Trench coats, Pea coats, you name, I have it! Recently I was hunting for some good womens trench coat as my wardrobe is not brimming with them. Trench coats are the most versatile of all winter clothing. They provide warmth, shield you from rain and also act as wind cheater. There is no need of a rain coat when you wear a trench. I am bored with the ones I already have and that's when I came across this wonderful site for Fashion clothing Luvyle and I loved every item there.

For those crazy cold days I need this super cozy coat over anything I wear. And if you are up for colours, I have a list of them!

They have got all sorts of outfits but since its sweater weather right now, I decided to round up my favourite coats.

Its not a secret that I love colours. I think we should own a coat in every colour.

1. A cobalt blue for that pop of colour in a cold environment.

2. Mint colour to wear to work or a conservative setting.

3.Apple green again adds that unexpected pop of colour. Not for the faint hearted.

4. Ochre looks classic. Its neither too bright nor neutral.

5. Red: Even you may think for a while that you look Scottish, but its a wardrobe must..

6. Blush: A neutral in a romantic colour like blush is for everyone.

7. Navy Blue: Its the chicest of all that goes without saying.

Now to complete an outfit, you just can't ignore bottoms! Whether be it denims or leather pants, shearling pants or printed leggings, this site have all sorts of fashion cute pants! I just can't imagine winters without a pair of faux leather leggings.

Which one of the above is your favourite?? Or do you prefer other colours? Are you a sweater person or a coat person?

12/21/2018 3 comments

A Nazm is a term used to define all sorts of Urdu shayari which do not fall into any other category. However, if you talk about its literal meaning, a nazm is a well organised, logically evolving poem where each individual verse serves the need of the central concept or theme of the poem.

I love reading shayaris (I guess most of us do) so when I came across this book by Smita Parikh, I was intrigued. It's not very often that I pick up Hindi literature to read (not that I am proud of) This thin book promised me hours of delightful read and I am glad that I did.

About the author: Smita Parikh is a writer, actor and an RJ. In a world (read especially India) obsessed with English literature, her Hindi compositions are such a welcome change. She started writing at a very early age and even got awarded at the tender age of 15 years. She has won many awards thereafter and loves writing poetry. Her first book of poems was 'Main Panth Nihaarun'. She believes in expressing herself openly and that it how she penned down her emotions one after the another in Nazms, and compiled them into this wonderful book.

She is a self made woman, an entrepreneur and is the owner of E bizz Entertainment. She also handles the Mumbai Lit O Fest.

About the book: This is a 140 page book published by Vani Prakashan. It's a compilation of 89 poems or 'Nazms' that have been written straight from the heart. Each poem is short and crisp, pregnant with meaning. The lengthiest one is about 3 pages long.

Usually the poems depict questions from lovers. While reading those lines one may definitely resonate with those situations at one time or the other. We all have been heartbroken or been hurt at some point of our lives. There are so many questions that we seek answer too although we ourselves know that we may never get those answers.

Some of the poems are happy reads too, which express the ecstasy and butterflies in stomach pertaining to happiness or a new relationship.

What I loved about this book?

The fact that the poems are very short, it's a very easy read. You can just pick up, read a few poems and then keep it down. You can pick it up whenever you want and engage in hours of emotional sojourn. Pick it up from here.

I really loved it. Looking forward to her next release!

Coming to the outfit, it's by Rosegal. I scored some really great bargains in the Deals Sale.

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Top: Rosegal

Leather Pants: Rosegal

Blazer: Forever 21

Shoes: Zaful

12/16/2018 15 comments

Moisturising is an integral part of skincare...we all know that. But let's face it...after becoming a mom, how many of you actually get the time to slather yourselves in something creamy everyday? I bet very few. Especially if you are a working mom with no full time help, I am sure moisturising means applying a cream on the face only. However the busier you are, the more care you need for yourself.

The secret to great skin is proper hydration, in and out. Apart from drinking loads of water, fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep and exercise; apt external applications are also mandatory. And I am not talking just about the face.

As winters are approaching, our skin is getting drier day by day. Not to mention the chores of motherhood, work and day to day stress. So a moisturizer cannot suffice our demands. Here is where body butters come to the rescue.

I have been relying on Himalaya for ages for my personal care because it's safe, gentle, and researched. Post Delivery, I started using Himalaya babycare for my munchkin. So, when Himalaya organized a mommy bloggers meet last Saturday, I was elated. I was eager to know more about the baby and mommy range, and the meet exceeded my expectations! We were given foot massages and treated to nail art apart from the informative session by Dr. Subhashini. Not to forget the funny games played, sumptuous food served, and the cute goodie bag in the end!

That goodie bag had two body butters (my most favourite) and a bottle of intimate wash and intimate wipes. I would like to share my experience of the body butters with you all as I loved them so much.

Himalaya for moms is a special range curated for women which is safe to use right from the beginning of pregnancy. Our bodies go through so much turmoil and this brand happens to understand that very efficiently. Formulated after years of research, the products are a result of the amalgamation of the best of Ayurveda and modern science.

I tried the Himalaya for Moms Soothing Body butter in two variants:

Lavender: This cocoa butter rich emollient is infused with the calming fragrance of lavender.

It is to be applied daily; twice for better results. Slather it all over the body preferably after bath and before going to bed. The best part about this body butter is that it provides intense moisturisation. So even if you forget to apply twice, you can be assured that your skin would stay hydrated. Its rich texture with lingering fragrance rejuvenates the senses like never before.

Rose: The moisturising properties are same only the fragrance is different. This one is infused with the uplifting essence of rose.

Price: 110 INR for 50 ml. There are larger variants too. Also there is a Jasmine variant.

I personally loved the Lavender body butter more. I love to slather it on my body after a bath. Such little indulgences are much deserved at the end of a long, tiring day.

Have you tried Himalaya for yourself or your baby? What's your favourite product?

12/10/2018 7 comments

Bari is the capital of the Puglia region in Southern Italy. Bari itself is quite an important commercial centre itself. But for tourists, its significant for other reasons. Firstly, its the connecting link to the UNESCO World Heritage site Alberobello. Secondly, its the home of St.Nicholas. Our hotel was named after St.Nicholas and was at a walking distance from the Basilica di San Nicola.

Bari had always been an important commercial port owing to its vast coastline along the Adriatic Sea. However Bari has two very different faces. One is the modern Bari and the other Old Bari or Vecchia Bari (vecchia meaning old in Italiano).

Vecchia Bari is a fascinating little place. We had deliberately chosen a place to stay in the old part. The moment we stepped into this part of the city, we knew we were for a treat.

This entire part is paved with white stones. There are no trees. Of course how can there be? There is no soil! So people and restaurant owners have planted greens in really enormous pots. We explored it at night. So the quaint narrow alleys were dimly lit and really charming.

We started from the Basilica di San Nicola. There were a lot of tourists at that hour of the day too. There was actually no one who could speak Inglese or English and my newly learnt Italian helped us a lot in communicating. There were a lot of cute cafes and restaurants. I was loving the bustle of the tourists and the live music playing in the background. It seemed like a never ending party!

Then we walked to the Swabian Castle or the Castello di Svevo . Built in the 12th century, it was destroyed and then rebuilt again. It was closed at night. But now its used as a place for exhibitions.

We crossed the main road and came back to the paved area. However we just could not go back to our hotel or the Basilica di San Nicola. We kept on circling around the Piazza Mercantile: the hip square of music and food. At one point, we were really scared. We had not faced any mishap in Italy (which is infamous) and wanted to leave that way only. Finally after walking through the maze of stone paved alleys, we made to the basilica and then our hotel.