Bridging two cultures and outfit of the day

      The last couple of days had been really warm here, almost felt like mid-July. Not that I don't like warm days of New England when we always complain about the long winter. Yesterday temperature dropped to a little chili. Feeling of the Fall is always wonderful. I felt like as if I am in India, Assam my home state. Felt like waking up in the morning walking on the lawn barefoot, foggy and hued and with all the festive buzz around. Now I am in New England, missing Indian festivities, so thought of posting a custom made Mekhela Chadar grey and orange, which I got from Assam when I visited last time from Xipini By Kanishka Gogoi Mahanta. A very contemporary appeal with a traditional touch. I accessorized it with antique finish gold jewelry. The outfit is ideal for both day and night. Also, the melange of the two colors, the brightness of orange and mildness of grey portraits the balance of Fall between summer and winter.

      As you all know, how I make so many trips in my mind, back and forth from Connecticut to Assam, my thought of making a bridge between Fall and Dussehra connecting the two cultures. Today is Dussehra a major Indian festival. I love the significance of this festival, win of good over evil, associated with the great Indian epic Ramayana, where prince Ram's homecoming with the glory of winning good over evil celebrated. Let the good be the winner in our lives and love over hate today and every day. Happy Dussehra and happy fall folks!

P. S. Mekhela chadar is an Assamese ethnic outfit. It can be easily disguised as a saree. Saree is one piece attire, and mekhela chadar is two-piece, a skirt(mekhela) and scarf(chadar).

Hello Fall, my favorite things...

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

seeking the successive autumns."

- George Eliot 

      Hello, Now the favorite time of the year approaches. In my previous post, I mentioned how I miss India during this time. But, after living in New England, fall has become my favorite season of the year. How magical it is to see the changing colors of the trees from green to pink, purple, red and brown. It is neither hot nor cold, enjoy the pleasant weather. There are several reasons why fall is my favorite in New England...

Be Romantic... 

      Driving through the foliage is one of the best fall activity. Before having kids, we used to take long drives and enjoy the view. That's a great idea for couples or a dating idea with crisp trees and fall color. Now with kids, we still take the drive and have great family time. 

Be Creative... 

      Visiting farms is one of my favorite activity. Picking pumpkins for carving are very creative for kids. Along with it, you can enjoy hayrides and corn mazes too. 

Fall Flavors... 

      Fall is the season where you can devour the flavors, whether pumpkin spice, apple cider, great pies or baked goodies. Even though I am not a great fan of giving kids sugary snacks, fall flavorful donuts are an absolute favorite. Avid tea lover, I can't deny the fact how much I enjoy fall seasonal spice coffees. 

Be Active...

      Hiking a mountain trail with family is a great fun activity. My kids love to collect fall leaves. Enjoy the nature while hiking. We visit nearby state parks for fall hikes. We love to discover the reflection of the colorful fall leaves on a lake or small creeks. 

Take the Adventure...

 

      Getting on a scenic train ride is magical. You can relax and soak in the view and kids can experience the excitement of train ride. Let's cover all the unseen views which you couldn't cover while hiking. 

Hello to Fashion... 

      And in terms of fashion, you can still carry your summer pieces and perk with Panchos, cardigans and flaunt your boots. Carry your tan-orange-gold-purple handbags for fall fashions absolute touchups, Love to hear your fall favorites...

Indian festival wardrobe 101

      Indian festive season just kick-started. If you are passionate about Indian ethnics then definitely, it opens up the plethora of possibilities for wearing Indian wear. If you are following me you know, I am Indian girl staying in the USA for last 15 years. I get very minimal chances to wear Indian wear. The festive season is always one I look forward to use my Indian wardrobe.

      So now, how to prepare or get your wardrobe ready for the festive season. A few tips and tricks from my personal experience:

1. Always decide on the outfits few weeks before the festive season begins.
2. Check if your outfits are well ironed. A well-ironed outfit plays significant roles in chic and groomed look.
3. Did you try the blouses, if they are well fitted or need any alteration? An ill-fitted blouse can ruin the whole look.
4. After deciding on the dress decide on accessories.
   Must have:

• Bangles are must have. A pair of bangles or stack of bangles instantly brings ethnic and festive vibes to your outfit. 
• Any Indian look is incomplete without a bindi big or small according to your personal choice.
• Good clean nails always elevate any look. Chipped nails are an instant turn off no matter how lovely your outfit is.
• Decide on your footwear early. Last moment random pick footwear may be uncomfortable or does not gel with your look.
• I always believe that a good handbag definitely adds up your look. Potlis or embellished clutches are very to go with the ethnic or desi outfit.

      I am looking forward to hearing from you how you decide your wardrobe how you get ready your festive wardrobe no matter where you are from.

      Here you can find the post on Indian Classic Wardrobe.

Lake placid food indulgence and healthy choices part 2

Farm Cafe(Breakfast)... 

      A mindful morning. As a foodie, my mindful morning always has to do with a fresh, scrumptious breakfast. When I was looking for breakfast at lake placid, I came across only a few restaurants. Honestly, the name Farm Cafe magnate me.

      A tidy and cozy set up with a bar Farm Cafe have a great ambiance. As I went through the menu, I was looking for whole wheat or multi grain bread, but they don't have that option. So, I stuck with veg omelet and house fries with coffee. The omelet was deliciously fluffy. Wish the vegetables were little fresher would have made the taste even better.

      Husband got breakfast burritos, again it was a white flour burrito, but stuffing is definitely great with eggs, cheese, and veg fillings.

      Kids got flap jack and hot chocolate. You have an option to add either fruits or chocolate chips to flap jacks, and all came with fresh fruits. There is nothing better about a good breakfast when you get the chance to start with farm fresh fruits. And Farm Cafe sparks every entry with cut fresh fruits. Like fresh fruit, if they also pay little attention to adding farm fresh veggies that will surely perk up Farm Cafe menu.

The good bite kitchen(lunch)...

   
      When you are in a tourist place lunch is always in a hurry since you want to see all the places and do activities before the sun sets its day. How about some really good food in no time. Yes, that's what came to my mind when I entered Good bite.

      New era innovative, quick and chic food take on vegetarian food. Locally sourced fresh food, this little eatery with six sitting inside and few outside with overlooking the lively downtown alley, Good bite offers bowls, sandwiches, and soup to smoothies and herbal lattes.

      I went for Kara bowl, it came with moong beans, roasted green peppers, kale, Havarti cheese, pumkin seeds and honey mustard and I chose whole wheat pasta base. For bowls, good bite offers options for bases like whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodle or brown rice. It was so refreshing, healthful and mindful at the same time decadent. Slippery soft pasta with moong beans grainy flavor is very palatable, and one can't really think of mixing this together. Yet again proving the point that good food does not need to be guilt food after eating.

      For drinks, I had mango raspberry kale and almond milk smoothie. It surely blows your taste buds even though you are not exactly a smoothie niche like me. The best part is everything is under ten dollars with options of vegan and gluten free. My next visit to lake placid won't be complete without visiting The Good bite kitchen again.

Click here to read the part 1

Arunima Dutta

Introduction:

      She is the brand ambassador of youth and beauty, yet her niche is education. Executive Director at RMD Institute of Education, Guwahati, Assam, India, a blogger, and yoga enthusiast Arunima Dutta wears many feathers in her hat. 2004 Mrs. India World runner up, her definition of beauty and femininity is unparalleled. Her style defines simplicity and understated elegance. Arunima Dutta recently voyaged the world fitness convention in Las Vegas.

1. What is your style?

Arunimaa:  DuttMy style would be '' effortless simplicity ''. I am never dressed over the top and like to keep things classic, elegant and yet simple.

2. Your top three favorite looks?

Arunima Dutta:
a - Some wardrobe additions are justified by their stop-and-stare currency. I love my frocks and skirts.
b - When in doubt, put on the little white dress! Never fails you.
c - Shorts and the white shirt. Most of the times I am in my 'dressed down is the new dressed up’ state of mind.'

3. Eye makeup or Lipstick or both?

Arunima Dutta: Depends. Lips I reckon as I like to keep my eyes soft and simple most of the times. I highlight my eyes with mascara and an eye pencil and never ever overdo it. I like to keep my lips soft and dazzling in fresh toned lip gloss. Very rare would you see me in darker shades of lip tones. I do not over indulge in makeup.

4. Your favorite weaves or embroidery techniques you like?

Arunima Dutta: I am completely in love with the traditional attires of Northeast. The beautiful patterns and embroidery that the attires of each particular state carries embodies so much richness, history, love and untold feelings. It's like, you feel it when you wear it.

5. Your ideal day wear and ideal night wear?

Arunima Dutta: For work, it would be always formals. A nice pair of trousers teamed with a well-fitted shirt does it for me. For night I would pick a little white dress or black dress if it's a party; epitomises maximum impact without minimum effort. If it is a traditional gathering I would choose a saree or mekhela chador.

6. What do you like to wear for a wedding?

Arunima Dutta: For a wedding, I choose either a saree or mekhela chador. Make -up again is restricted to the bare minimum. At times I love to tie a bun, otherwise, I love to leave my hair open most of the times. Jewellery would be either pearls or diamonds. I don't like to overaccessorize. A nice watch and a clutch complete the look.

7. Three accessories always in your collection….

Arunima Dutta: 

a - I am fond of my watches. You will never see me not wearing one.
b - I love my shades.
c - Pearls and diamonds.


8. Any Indigenous Diva Tip?

Arunima Dutta: Own your looks with confidence and don’t let comfort take a beating. Dressing for your body type and wearing what puts you at ease are cardinal fashion rules that will never go out of style. Having said that, never take your wardrobe lightly.