Sit Back and Relax

After a long day at work its nice to come home and just lay on the couch with a nice cushion nestled beneath you. So this week we take a look at some of the comfy and stylish cushions Bandra has to offer.

The Fire and Leather collection

Where: Threads n Homez

Cost: Rs 850 onwards

White Linen and Jute embroidered cushions

Where: Threads n Homez

Cost: Rs 575 onwards

Leather and Bronze leaf cushions

Where: Threads n Homez

Cost: Rs 925 onwards

Green and Gold Sequenced cushions

Where: Zeba

Cost: Rs1400 and 1950

Wollen Cushion with sequence work

Where: Zeba

Cost: B-Rs2250, P-Rs1245

Pink cushion with butterfly embroidery

Where: Zeba

Cost: Rs845

LOCATION: THREADS N HOMEZ, Shop1, Galaxy Apts, Bandstand, Contact: 32711511, ZEBA, 205 Waterfield road, Contact: 26424727

– Rommel Albuquerque

Home and About

Wow! From Jay Sean to a furniture exhibition, Candies is really going all out to cater to the masses. This week Desiree of the cake studio will present a furniture exhibition with a difference. Desiree Attari, who is well known for her desserts, says that she decided to have an exhibition like this because it’s always good to diversify your interests. At the exhibition titled ‘Home and About’, you can expect the finest oriental and contemporary furniture, linen, kitchenware, garments (Pakistani ethnic wear), artifacts, exclusive multani jewelery and much more. All the goods are imported from Thailand, Bangkok and Dubai.

Where: Candies, Pali Hill, next to Learners Academy, When:  October 10th, 11th and 12th from 10am to 9pm

– Glynda Alves

Ladies Special

If your passing by the Reclamation grounds anytime this week, you’ll see a huge banner that says ‘Art and Craft Expo 2008’. Now, if you’re like me you’ll think this might be fun and interesting to see creative talent. But, you’ll be in for a surprise. I walked through the entire exhibition and the only art and craft that I saw was in four tiny stalls. The exhibition was more of silk sarees, Kashmiri shawls, Bansai handlooms and leather bags. There is the customary pickle and snacks stall but there is something that all the women out there will like. There is a 20 foot wall of only ladies shoes priced at Rs.150 to Rs.250 and about over 40 feet of baby/toddler clothes. The different wooden furniture though is my favourite pick for this exhibition.

Where: Bandra Reclamation grounds.

– Rommel Albuquerque

Message ‘Pun’-dits

Tantra a famous brand of T-shirts which has its branches all over Mumbai recently set up shop in Bandra as well. Tantra T-shirts has become a legend with their originality being praised by all. This brand which exudes the status of ‘cool’ has something for everyone and in a bid to set it apart from other shops, it has a sign outside which reads, ‘Tantra T-Pod 0kms’.  It’s got a great selection of  T-shirts with witty tag lines, creative graphics and they come in a variety of colours too. These T-shirts are great to wear on casual Fridays and weekends and they also make a great gift as well. In case you’re not sure if the size you picked will fit, they also have special T’s for trial purposes.

Where: Tantra , Hill road, Opp St. Stanislaus school grounds, Contact: 26430329

– Rommel Albuquerque

Pet Peeves

With the festive season drawing near, it might all be fun, games, noise and crackers but the animals in the city have little reason to celebrate. Sadly, the festive season shows a rise in missing dogs and any pet owner will tell you that this time of year is traumatic for pets. We bring you some tips on how to deal with jittery pets:

Veternarian Dr. Warren D’Mello, “The best thing to do during this season is take a trip out of the city. If that isn’t possible you should try putting cotton in your pets ears (even though they might resist) and put soothing music on to reduce the noise.” He adds that if pets are too jittery a mild sedative might ease the nervousness, but this is always under a vet’s prescription.

To avoid the festive madness completely you can even book your dog into a kennel for the weekend. And yes, we know that Bandra doesn’t have too many but if you want to ensure that your dog is safe and sound we suggest you make the trip to Pune. Here, Dhanashri Bhisey has set up a large kennel called Silver Dragon Kennels. They have individual rooms (16x6ft) and an area for the dog to go sit in the sun. It’s far away from the mayhem and you and your pet can be assured peace of mind.

Cost: Rs.350 per night inclusive of two meals, Contact: 9822280748

– Glynda Alves

Nature Calls

Nature has inspired artists and sculptors for centuries and it still continues to inspire them. This week we take a look at some of the unique items nature has inspired and where you can get them.

RED BIRD BOX: Rs.650, 950 and 1000 from Turqoise

GIUSEPPE ARMANI MOUNTAIN LION: Rs.85000 from Cash & Carry

COW PEN HOLDER: Rs.555 fromTurqoise

DRAGON FLY COASTERS: Rs.395 from Mobius Strip

BOHEMIAN LEMON VASE: Rs.7500 from Cash & Carry

ANT STAND: Rs.1200 from Turqoise

DUCK BASKET: Rs.150 from Green Grower

LOCATIONS: MOBIUS STRIP: Maria Apartments, 78 Pali Hill Road Contact: 26051003/9, TURQOISE: 2 and 3 Sunbeam building, Perry cross road, Off Carter road, Contact: 32409827/26423684, CASH & CARRY: Shop No.7, Pluto Building, Perry Cross Rd, Contact: 26454564; GREEN GROWER: Linking Road

Fairground Attraction

Even though the rains put a damper on Bandra fair revelers spirits things seem to be picking up. The fair were even open past 11pm on Wednesday in a bid to make up for lost time… and money.

But, many residents, fair goers and even stall owners say that the fair isn’t what it used to be. Clarence Gomes, who used to earlier compere for some Bandra fair events says, “The fair got of to a bad start and it certainly isn’t what it used to be. Not many Bandra residents come any more.”

Maria D’Souza adds, “The fair isn’t the community event it used to be. There are too many anti-social elements and the true spirit of celebrating is lost.”

Even shop keepers who have set up stalls feel that over the years a gradual change has taken place. Mr. Raju who has had a candle stall on Mount Mary’s road since 1975 says, “Over the last year people have been putting pressure on the police and the BMC to get rid of the stalls. Before we never had any trouble with the police or the BMC, but now they treat us as if we are terrorists’.

Stall owner Glyndon D’Silva adds, “The crowds are going away now, because of the rains and the authorities. The police are not people friendly anymore and now all the fun that used to be synonymous with the Bandra fair is gone.”

Bjorn Fernandes, who lives in the heart of the fair says that although the fair has changed he still feels that it’s maintained the quaint charm it’s associated with. He says, “Yes, the fair has changed. But, pretty much all of us have Bandra fair goodies in our house right now. And eating ice cream there is still as much fun.” Ah… All is not lost