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 You’ve put us on the top of the world!

 

It’s blazing hot right now. And no, we’re not talking about the summer. There’s something else that made the news
this season.

Vaswani Exquisite has won a huge award – scroll down to read all about it! We’re deeply grateful to each one of you
for walking this road along with us.

We build structures of brick and mortar – but we know that it’s people like you who convert our houses into homes. In this issue of Shared Space, we talk about the power of community, and how buildings like the ones we construct bring people together.What if that people power could be channeled into saving the planet? We talk about a concern that’s looming over all of us – water scarcity, and ways to mitigate it.

And since schools shut for the summer very soon, we bring you some hatke tips on keeping the little ones occupied.

Enjoy the light summery treats served up by our chef, and remember to hydrate.

And shhhh… there’s more good news on the anvil.

Stay cool and stay zen!

Team Vaswani!

We’ve won accolades – and it’s entirely thanks to you

 

It’s official!

Vaswani Exquisite has been awarded the Best Luxury Residential Project South Zone Award, at the CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2023. It’s huge, and we couldn’t be more grateful. The trophy, conferred on 14 March 2024 at a ceremony at the Taj Westend, was received by Mr Asif, Vice President – Sales and CRM, Vaswani Group.

The prestigious Real Estate Awards, in the words of the institutors, “identify and honour professionals who have envisioned and created marvels in the real estate industry.” We couldn’t be more thrilled.

Our deepest gratitude to all of you, our clients, our partners, and our customers, for inspiring us to do better and better.

Thank you!

FEATURE

 

 

It takes a village… or a ginormous apartment complex!

 

When you live in the heart of a sprawling urban landscape, surrounded by towering edifices of concrete and steel, community might be the last word that springs to mind.

And yet, in these modern-day equivalents of villages – the giant apartment complexes – lies the possibility of building a community that could well become your home, your family outside of home, and your support system. Here are some ways to put this people powerhouse to work, for a richer and more textured life:

1.  People Power Can Move Mountains… or Garbage

 

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa

We’re all agreed that climate consciousness is not just cool, but essential. Community is crucial to incubating sustainable living practices on scale. Get your neighbours together to plan and put in place an efficient recycling program, water-saving measures, or green transport options, including car-pooling. As Mother Teresa says, cast that stone, and watch the ripples of change take shape!

2. Nurture Resilience

 

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Large apartment complexes are mini universes in themselves. In times of individual or collective adversity, the relationships we forge in good times become a bedrock of support. The true strength of a community is revealed in such times. Residents can come together to form resilient networks of compassion, offer assistance to those in need, whether it be during natural disasters, health crises, or personal emergencies.

3.  Shared Spaces Nudge Us Closer

 

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ― Ruth Reichl

Leave the traffic and the noise behind, and take refuge in the shared spaces that large apartment complexes have to offer. Whether it’s taking a walk together on cobbled pathways, group yoga on landscaped gardens and rooftop terraces, sharing a meal to celebrate a special day in the community hall, or gymming together, there’s enough common ground to connect, unwind, and build lasting relationships.

4.  DEI in practice

“If man is to survive, he will have learned to take a delight in the essential differences between men and between cultures. He will learn that differences in ideas and attitudes are a delight, part of life’s exciting variety, not something to fear.” ― Gene Roddenberry

Large apartment complexes are where corporate buzzwords like DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) come alive in practice. You rub elbows with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives and forming a beautiful mosaic of humanity. Embrace this diversity with a spirit of curiosity about other cultures, languages, and cuisine. Dive into conversations that foster a greater understanding, making sure all voices are heard and respected. World peace perhaps starts in a condo!

5. Workin’ and vibin’ together

 

“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.” ― Idowu Koyenikan

No problem is unsolvable when you have a bunch of heads working at it. In large apartment complexes, residents can pool their often complementary skills and knowledge to tackle common challenges, whether it be organising events, or advocating for a cause. Bring the right and left and neuro-divergent brains together, and watch the magic unfold!

Having said all that, a last reminder, from the always wise Bell Hooks: “But many of us seek community solely to escape the fear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”

 

RESPONSIBLY  YOURS!

 

 

 SAVE THE BLUE. LIVE GREEN.

 

No water. No life. No blue. No green. Sylvia Earle

Summer is upon us, and with it, come water woes. There have been warning signs for years, but now, it’s time to act. Here are some ways we can conserve water in our homes and gardens this summer.

Plug the leaks: No matter how vigilant one might be, there’s always one tap that goes drip, drip in the night. Find those elusive leaks in faucets, pipes and toilets, uncover hidden drips, and stop water waste.

Tap, tap, tap out: Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes. Keep showers short and sweet – or even better, embrace the bucket bath! You might lose track of time – & water use – while dreaming in the shower, but you can’t ignore an empty bucket, can you?

Garden gush: Now that you’re being mindful about the water you use for ablutions, do the same for your plants. If you have a hose, switch to a watering can or bucket. Try and use water that’s left over from washing vegetables. Water your plants in the cool and early hours of the morning or around sunset, so that it doesn’t evaporate in the hot midday sun.

Rainwater rhapsody: We’re all characters in the film Lagaan, waiting for rain. And when the heavens open up and the rain falls on parched earth, collect it! Put out the buckets or as a community, large barrels.

Continuing the theme of community, join forces with your neighbours and create a crescendo of water-saving efforts. Invite experts to talk about water conservation, share tips, and tricks on residents’ WhatsApp groups, and put in place large-scale rainwater harvesting systems.

We invite our readers to share their water – conservation tips with us.

 

MALL

SUMMER SPECIALS AT THE BROOKEFIELD MALL

 

It’s hot outside, so have a chill holiday inside Vaswani Brookefield Mall. Summer stocks are aplenty in stores. Put your look together for any occasion from brands such as Soch, Pantaloons, Go Colors, Levi’s and Reliance Digital. Find sundresses, shorts, cargos, Kurtis, tees, tank tops and swimwear and when you’re done, treat yourself to a meal at the restaurants. And in case you don’t feel like getting out of the mall, we totally get it. Slink into the cool darkness of the Inox here. Sounds like just the plan for summer?

 

UNDER THE SHADE OF THE LEMON TREE

 

 

The spanking new Lemon Tree Suites, in Whitefield, is the talk of the town. Come and experience it for yourself!

The hotel offers a stay that’s all about relaxation and luxury. Whether you’re craving a long vacation or a productive work-cation, we’ve got you covered. Make yourselves at home in our swanky rooms, each with its own private balcony.

While you’re working away in one of our 44 executive suites or the 53 Superior rooms, your family can enjoy the beautiful lawns or chill by the pool. Speaking of the pool, it’s safe for the little ones with a shallow area – worry-free fun for everyone!

At Lemon Tree Suites, we know full well that your furry companion animals are an integral part of your family. So, bring them along when you holiday with us, and we’ll make them feel right at home.

Wrap up your day with a relaxing drink at the Slounge or dive into a scrumptious meal at our delightful restaurant.

Once you step into The Lemon Tree Suites, it’s like finding a second home.

SPECIAL 

 

DELICIOUSLY, YOURS

 

WATERMELON MINT MOCKTAIL

 

Nothing says summer like this refreshing watermelon mint mocktail! It’s light, crisp and made with only a few simple ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

 

• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Small slice of watermelon for garnish
• 3/4 cup watermelon juice
• ½ cup soda

Preparation

• Mash mint leaves at the bottom of a large cocktail glass or pint glass with a muddler.
• Fill the glass one-third full with ice.
• Add watermelon juice.
• Top with club soda.
• Garnish with a watermelon slice and mint leaves.

Simple, n’est-ce pas?

Also, did you know?
The watermelon is almost 92% water. Talking about water you can eat! What’s more, don’t throw away the rind – you can make delicious and healthy curries with it.

 

GREEK ORZO SALAD

Recipe Image Courtesy: cookingclassy.com

 

Take this Greek-inspired recipe to the park for a light picnic lunch, or as fresh summer side to your group potluck. No matter the occasion, this Greek orzo salad was made to please.

INGREDIENTS

For the dressing

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard                       • 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil           • Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup minced red onion                • Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the salad

• 8 ounces orzo                                               • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved               • 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 cup crumbled feta (about 1/4 lb.)         • 1 (15.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Preparation 

In a pot of salted boiling water, cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make dressing:

In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and mustard. While whisking, slowly add oil until fully combined. Stir in dill and red onion, then season with salt and pepper.

Make salad:

Add orzo, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives to the dressing and toss to coat.                                          Fold in feta and serve with more dill on top.

Recipe courtesy:
Chef. Kamalesh
Lemon Tree Suites, Whitefield  – Bangalore

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com

It feels a lot like a New Year!

 

‘Tis the season of fresh beginnings and new adventures! There’s an infectious buzz in the air that beckons us to wander, discover, and savour the unconventional.

Something new, to start the year ! As we step into the New Year, keep your eyes peeled for something exclusive that we will unveil this season.

In this edition of Shared Space, we steer clear of the ordinary. Instead, we delve into offbeat experiential travel destinations for 2024. From unconventional escapades to uncharted territories, discover the allure of experiences that go way beyond being just a travel experience. These will be life experiences.

Speaking of experiences, let’s make the experience of the air travel that’s an inevitable part of our lives better with impeccable airline etiquette. Elevate your travel game with mindful practices that make the journey a breeze for everyone on board.

No seasonal celebration is complete without indulgence (or should we say, over-indulgence)? We serve up some cleansing recipes for detox water and gut-soothing salads that will help you revive after the festive season. And should you wish to continue the gastronomic experience, do visit our newly refurbished Lemon Tree Suites in Whitefield – your gateway to a holiday or staycation wonderland!

And finally, we plan to set you up for success in 2024 (pun intended)! Whether you’re the meticulous scheduler, the spontaneous adventurer, or the wanderer with a knack for discoveries, find just the right planner for you.

Here’s to embracing the festivities, cherishing new discoveries, and crafting memories that sparkle.

Happy New Year, from all of us at

Team Vaswani !

FEATURE

 

 

A YEAR OF BEING, NOT CHASING

 

What if. The phrase holds within it the promise of a life lived differently.

What if 2024 were the year when we stopped chasing the next thing and decided to just be, right here, right now?

What if even when we take that dream holiday, we were to choose differently?

Join us on this voyage that isn’t merely about ticking off destinations but about immersing yourself so deeply in the raw, the every day, the ordinary, that it becomes enchanting. Pack your curiosity, leave behind your travel to-do, and dive into one experience that will stay with you for life.

1. Festival of a Million Fireflies: Purushwadi, Maharashtra

 

Purushwadi is where the night of a million fireflies comes alive. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in an ethereal ballet of countless fireflies in the night sky. Who knew that a sight so awe-inspiring would have a sound too, a gentle hum that rises above the sounds of the forest. If you’re thinking, “Ah, a nice camping experience,” you couldn’t be more wrong. Prepare to feel like a child faced with the immensity of space.

2. In Search of the Dzukou Lily: Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

 

The Dzukou Lily, found only in this valley, blooms once a year, carpeting the hills in a vibrant blanket of white and pink during the monsoon. Plunge into the role of an explorer questing for the rare lily of the valley. This will be the odyssey of serenity that your life seeks. Walk through verdant trails, each step unveiling a surprise, each turn revealing a wondrous thing of beauty. As you breathe in the crisp mountain air, feel the tranquility seep into your soul.

3. Dance to a Love Story: Majuli Island, Assam

 

Majuli Island is home to a mesmerising Raas Leela, the dance of Krishna and the Gopis. Sail along the giant river of the east, the Brahmaputra, to Majuli, a haven of simplicity that holds unparalleled cultural richness. Lose yourself in daily life with the locals, see how tradition seeps into every aspect of their life, and embrace the rhythm of island life. Staying at Majuli might well rouse the weaver in you, rich as it is with textures and hues. And dance the raas leela like you were born to this dance or listen to age-old stories told by a loquacious village grandmother.

4. Chasing the Danfe: Chopta, Uttarakhand

 

The metallic green and copper back of the Danfe or the Himalayan Monal can give the more common peacock a run for its feathers. The Danfe is not the only bird you will find in Chopta. Birders say there are more than 240 species of migratory and native birds here. The solitude of the mountains, the unspoiled charm of the emerald forests, and the trails adorned with rhododendron: you may come here to know birds, but you will leave knowing yourself better.

5. Watch the Buddha Sleep: Sandakphu, West Bengal

 

Hold your breath as the sun’s rays cast a halo around the peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, at Sandakphu. The Kanchenjunga is locally called the Sleeping Buddha, as its peaks illuminated by the sun resemble the form of a giant Buddha in peaceful repose. Most people “do Sandakphu” as an adrenaline boosting challenge, almost as though to dominate the mountain. Walk away and absorb the tranquillity of the Buddha in repose, feeling slightly humbled by the might of the mountains.

6. Fall in Awe of the Ancient Humans: Dholavira, Gujarat

 

There’s much in the natural world that humbles us or makes our jaws drop. At Dholavira, it’s the ancient humans that cast a spell. An intricate network of reservoirs and channels comes together in the form of a sophisticated water conservation system, attesting to the advanced engineering skills of the Harappans. Walk through the ruins of this ancient Harappan city in the Rann of Kutch, and be spellbound by the grandeur of human achievement.

Ibn Batuta, the Maghreb traveller and scholar, said: “Travel makes you speechless – and then turns you into a storyteller.” Immerse yourself in any of these places and experiences as you travel, and you’ll know exactly what he meant.

 

RESPONSIBLY  YOURS!

 

 

 

AIRBORNE ETIQUETTE

 

Fasten your seatbelts this New Year, fellow travellers! Air travel is not just about savoring the skies; it’s about cruising through cultural courtesy at 30,000 feet. Here’s how to be a considerate co-passenger:

• Harmonious Harmonies
  Let the beats soar, but keep them in your headphones. Whether soaring through the airport hustle or cruising on public transit, pop those headphones on to groove to your tunes without jolting the harmony of fellow passengers.
• Volume Control, Engage
  Engage in chitchat without booming announcements. When traveling with friends or family, we’re all for the jet-set camaraderie, but keep those decibels in check. Not doing so is one surefire way of getting on the nerves of an entire flight!
• Spotless Space
  Your seat, your responsibility. Keep that nest tidy! From airport lounges to terminal seats, leave no crumbs behind. Keeping shared spaces spick-and-span makes the travel experience as smooth as a tailwind. And if you’re travelling with kids, teach them to clean up after themselves too!
• Queue Quest
  Ah, the line dance etiquette! When boarding or snaking through the security check, follow the queue game. No skipping, no hopping— queue camaraderie keeps the jet-setting vibe light and breezy. And a pet peeve here: upon landing, please wait for the family, we’re all for the jet-set camaraderie, but keep those decibels in check. Not doing so is one surefire way of getting on the nerves of an entire flight!
  
  
• Seatback Serenity
  Respect the recline! Feel the urge to lean back? Mind your manners by checking with the passenger behind you before reclining. It’s all about sharing the airspace harmoniously.
• Row Ethics
  Bagged the coveted exit row? Embrace the responsibility! Be ready and willing to assist in case of emergencies. It’s not just extra legroom; it’s a commitment to everyone’s safety and convenience. Also, if you’re lucky enough to get a window or aisle seat, do be considerate of the passenger squashed in the middle seat. The least you can do is not wage a war of the elbows on the arm rests.
  
  With these tiny touch-points of airline etiquette, your journey through the skies will be a smooth, shared adventure where courtesy takes the pilot seat!

 

MALL

 

SPARKLE AND SHINE AT THE BROOKEFIELD MALL

 

The festive cheer is right here, at Vaswani Brookefield Mall. The store shelves are groaning under the weight of the latest launches. Brands like Soch, Pantaloons, Biba, W, Levi’s, Zodiac, Melange, and Reliance Digital have curated the perfect celebration catalyst in the form of a fabulous shopping extravaganza. Shop for your festive finery and head over to the food court or the restaurants to sample the delectable range of cuisines on offer.

Make a complete day of it by watching a film with the family. Inox shows you how to movie.

WHAT’S THE COOLEST – AND HOTTEST – SPOT IN TOWN?

 

 

The Lemon Tree Suites, in Whitefield, that’s what. The hotel has been buzzing for a few months now, and it’s finally fully open!

Step into the hotel for a stay that’s all about relaxation and luxury. Whether you’re craving a long vacation or a productive work-cation, we’ve got you covered. Make yourselves at home in our swanky rooms, each with its own private balcony.

Kickstart your day with some gym action, a friendly game of snooker or squash, or a zen yoga class. A quick 15 minutes at the sauna, and you’re good to go.

While you’re working away in one of our 44 executive suites or the 60 studio homes, your family can enjoy the beautiful lawns or chill by the pool. Speaking of the pool, it’s safe for the little ones with a shallow area – worry-free fun for everyone! And if you need to run a meeting or host a workshop, our executive boardroom is right here on-site.

At Lemon Tree Suites, we know full well that your furry companion animals are an integral part of your family. So, bring them along when you holiday with us, and we’ll make them feel right at home.

Wrap up your day with a relaxing drink at the Slounge or dive into a scrumptious meal at Citrus, our delightful restaurant.

Once you step into Lemon Tree Suites, it’s like finding a second home. You might just check in and never want to leave!

SPECIAL 

 

DELICIOUSLY, YOURS

Recipe Image Courtesy: Realfood.tesco.com

SPARKLING GRAPEFRUIT, LIME AND ROSEMARY DETOX

 

Counter the indulgences of the holiday season with this refreshing recipe for detox water. Detox water is just water but infused with the flavors of fresh herbs, fruit, or vegetables. Enjoy the health benefits of a detox with the much-needed post-binge hydration that water provides.

INGREDIENTS

 

• 1 red grapefruit
• 3 Rosemary sprigs, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 Lime
• 1 Ltr sparkling mineral water

Preparation

• Pare the grapefruit with a vegetable peeler and remove the white pith from the peel. Cut the grapefruit into segments, trimming any remaining pith from the edges, then put the flesh and peel in a 1.5 ltr sealable jar.
• Thinly slice the lime and add to the jar along with three rosemary sprigs. Gently pour over 1 ltr of sparkling mineral water, then seal and chill in the fridge for 30 mins to infuse. Serve with ice and an extra rosemary sprig, if you like.

Special Tip:
Infuse the water the day before – just remove the rosemary after 3 hours to stop it from overpowering the citrus!

Also, did you know?
Detox water promotes weight loss, removes toxins, balances the pH levels in the body, boosts digestive health and immunity, improves your mood, and enhances energy levels. Apart from having a visible refreshing impact on your complexion!

 

DETOX SALAD FOR THE WIN

Recipe Image Courtesy: Delightfulmomfood.com

This detox salad is a winner not just after a season of indulgence, but for business as usual times of the year too!
It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb (and can easily be veganised by swapping the honey with maple syrup). It is loaded with delicious veggies such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, kale, and cabbage, and great texture with the sunflower seeds and crunchy almonds.

INGREDIENTS

 

• Kale (any leafy greens will do though!)
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Almonds and sunflower seeds
• Broccoli
• Red cabbage
• Parsley
• Lemon ginger dressing

Preparation 

• First, you’ll want to give all your veggies a rough chop. Then place the kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots and parsley in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until all the veggies are finely chopped.
• Add nuts and seeds. Add in the almonds to the food processor and pulse a few more times until they are roughly chopped. Transfer the chopped salad to a large bowl and mix in the sunflower seeds.
• Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, grated ginger, dijon mustard, honey and salt until the dressing is creamy and smooth.
• Store until ready to serve. To keep this salad as fresh as possible, make sure you store the salad and the dressing separately and toss them together right before serving!

Recipe courtesy:
Chef. Kamalesh
Lemon Tree Suites, Whitefield  – Bangalore

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com

 Festive isn’t a season. It’s a vibe.

 

You can feel it in the air. There’s something about this time of the year that makes people want to smile more, meet other people, cook good food, and gather in each other’s homes to celebrate.

At Team Vaswani, we’ve got something up our sleeve this festive season. Watch this space for news on our jaw-dropping property launches. Hint: Whitefield.

In this issue of Shared Space, we explore the timeless appeal of vintage and antique décor. From hidden gems in your own home to up-cycling treasures, discover how to infuse old-world charm into your living space.

Dive into responsible festivities with our eco-friendly ideas for making this season truly intentional. No matter what your vibe is, there’s something in this issue for you. Wabi sabi, hygge, or boho chic, anyone?

And since there’s no getting away from the smorgasbord of food that will surely follow in the coming months, we might as well embrace it. We’ve got two sweet delights, one from India and the other from the land of the pharaohs. For more gastronomic delights, head over to the spanking new Peninsula Suites now operated by Lemon Tree Hotels in Whitefield for a holiday or a staycation!

Do drop into one of the several Vaswani Group properties listed here. You never know which one might feel just like home!

Happy festivities..!

Team Vaswani.

FEATURE

 

 

Old is In

One of the things that attracts me to vintage and antique things is they have stories, and even if I don’t know the stories, I make them up.  – Mary Kay Andrews

In a world oscillating between cookie-cutter décor and minimal Japandi trends, the charm of a home where every piece of furniture has a story to tell stands out. Repurposing vintage pieces and home goods to give them a new lease of life is not just a décor trend. It’s a way of life that creates a connection with the past and infuses every nook and corner of your home with old world charm.

Discover Hidden Gems 

Before you rush off to the nearest antique shop, consider this: There’s an abundance of forgotten treasures waiting to be rediscovered in second-hand furniture stores, flea markets, de-cluttering groups, and in your own home! Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh’s Painting of Doctor Rey was, for years, used to block a hole in a chicken coop?

Another British family that owned a single chess piece found out that it was part of a medieval chess set and that the piece alone was worth $1.2 million! Take a closer look at that painting that’s been hanging in your family home for decades.

From Worn to Wonderful  

Vintage has a charm that modern manufacturing cannot match. The scratches, the signs of wear, the peeling paint, and a chip here and there: These are part of the appeal of vintage furniture. They exude character and history. Instead of hiding it, embrace it. Who know, a worn out wooden or iron chest could be the statement centerpiece your drawing room needs.

The Magic of Up-cycling 

Turn your grandmother’s sewing machine into a repurposed dining table. Pair it with cane-woven chairs reclaimed from forgotten garages, and you’ve got yourself a slice of history right beneath your plates. An old wooden ladder turned into a bookshelf could become the talk of your next party. Vintage suitcases can be stacked to form a quirky side table. Turn antique drawers into wall mounted shelves or vintage crates into storage solutions.

Who knows what beauty hides beneath the most damaged of old pieces? With some careful restoration, you could have a treasure in your hands.

Mix and Match with elan 

One of the plusses of decorating with vintage pieces is the freedom to mix styles and eras. Matching every piece is passé. Embrace eclecticism by mixing modern chairs with an art deco table, or a rustic farm table with reclaimed industrial light fittings.

When you mix and match, you create a style that is truly your own. What’s more, when you blend old with new, you create a visually captivating space that no hired decorator can rival.

Not Just Furniture

Use vintage textiles such as rugs, quilts, and even sarees belonging to your great grandmother, to add texture and warmth to your home. Look for hand-made or hand-embroidered pieces by craftspeople from places where you travel.

Dive into your family’s collection of old photographs and pick out a few to put together a gallery wall of memories. And it’s not just about photos of people. Keep an eye out for that B&W photo of your grandfather’s Lambretta or Morris Minor.

Up-cycled Lighting 

Instagram is ablaze with brands selling up-cycled lighting solutions. Stay away from the tried, tired, and tested Edison lamps and make your own lights instead!

Turn an antique birdcage into a handing pendant light or an old brass trumpet into a unique table lamp.

Quirky Garden Delights 

Gnomes are out. Don’t fall for the mass-produced outdoor décor that garden shops sell. Find unique pieces from your home to repurpose as show planters.

Old teapots with broken lids or spouts, kettles, brass vessels, aluminum or iron buckets, and why, even knee-high boots can be turned into cute planters that will make your garden like no other.

Finally, a word of warning. Collecting vintage items can be a bit of a rabbit hole, and if you’re not mindful, you could easily go from cool to cluttered. Know when to say no and stick to pieces that go with an overall theme or story.

 

RESPONSIBLY YOURS!

 

 

 

Glow Green

“Green is a label for a certain attitude to life, a certain kind of respect that one might have for the very source of things that we take for granted.” – Annie Lennox

Green festival celebrations are not a passing fad or a cool trend. Green is here to stay. As Bob Brown famously said, “The future will either be green or not at all.” And what better time to glow green than at festivals – a time of togetherness when we can lead by example! So here are four ideas for going green this festive season, inspired from India – the original land of sustainability – and celebrations around the world.

• Clay is cool
  This inspiration comes straight from the artisans of Kumartuli who fashion beautiful larger-than-life idols out of clay for Durga Puja. Clay needs no cloth or plastic (which end up in our lovely lakes as garbage) to make it look beautiful. Keep it original this season by supporting clay artisans and potters – or even better, make a holiday activity out of it by hosting a clay sculpture or diya party at home!
• Go floral for rangolis
  Did you know that the Madeiran Flower Festival in Portugal features floral floats from which the flowers are distributed to nursing homes and hospitals after the parade is over? Decorate with flowers this Diwali and after the day, compost or make bio-enzyme with the dried flowers. And if friends bring you too many bouquets or sweet boxes, consider donating them. Way to multiply the festive joy!
• Focus on the experience
  If togetherness is what festivals are about, then why not curate your festival around an experience? Some Japanese communities celebrate the New Year by coming together to cut bamboo branches as offerings. This helps to rejuvenate bamboo forests. Tree planting Diwali celebration, anyone? Or, since food is the area in which we see the most excess, what about a day of community cooking, following by a community feast served on eco-friendly plantain leaves!
• Gifts with a purpose
  Instead of buying things that people seldom need or use, put some thought into what you give your friends and family. Treat your loved ones to a day at the spa – or the museum! Enroll them in a try-out class they’ve been wanting to take: like Thai cooking or Tai Chi. Make a donation in their name to a cause they care about. Write a poem especially for them.

 

MALL

 

It’s Getting Festive at Brookefield Mall!

The festive cheer is right here, at Vaswani Brookefield Mall. The store shelves are groaning under the weight of the latest launches. Brands like Soch, Max, Pantaloons, Biba, W, Levi’s, Zodiac, Melange, and Reliance Digital have curated the perfect celebration catalyst in the form of a fabulous shopping extravaganza. Shop for your festive finery and head over to the food court or the restaurants to sample the delectable range of cuisines on offer.

Make a complete day of it by watching a film with the family. Inox shows you how to movie.

Ready for a Date with the swish-est spot in Town?

 

 

What’s the coolest – and the hottest – spot in town? Peninsula Suites operated by Lemon Tree Hotels in Whitefield, that’s what. The hotel has been buzzing for a few months now, and it’s finally fully open!

Step into the hotel for a stay that’s all about relaxation and luxury. Whether you’re craving a long vacation or a productive workcation, we’ve got you covered. Make yourselves at home in our swanky rooms, each with its own private balcony.

Kick-start your day with some gym action, a friendly game of snooker or squash, or a Zen yoga class. A quick 15 minutes at the sauna, and you’re good to go

While you’re working away in one of our 44 executive suites or the 60 studio homes, your family can enjoy the beautiful lawns or chill by the pool. Speaking of the pool, it’s safe for the little ones with a shallow area – worry-free fun for everyone! And if you need to run a meeting or host a workshop, our executive boardroom is right there on-site.

Wrap up your day with a relaxing drink at the Slounge or dive into a scrumptious meal at Currys & Kebabs, our delightful restaurant.

Once you step into Peninsula Suites operated by Lemon Tree Hotels, it’s like finding a second home. You might just check in and never want to leave!

SPECIAL 

 

DELICIOUSLY, YOURS

 

Baked Mishti Doi: Daroon !

 

Now that Durga Puja fever is here, how about a taste of the traditional Bengali dessert, the mishti doi, with a baked twist? The mishti doi is said to date back to more than 150 years, and is a well-known classic from West Bengal.

Mishti doi is made with milk that is thickened and sweetened with either sugar, jaggery or date molasses, and combined with yogurt. The mixture is fermented overnight in clay pots. The perfectly set mishti doi has a creamy, pudding-like texture.

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cup of yogurt
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 can of condensed milk
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)

For Garnish

• Chopped pistachios (optional)
• A few strands of saffron

Preparation

• In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. Whisk thoroughly.
• Pour the mixture into a baking dish or ramekin.
• Sprinkle cardamom powder on top.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins (if using ramekins) or 45 mins, if using a baking dish.
• Remove from oven and set aside. Once it has cooled down, garnish with chopped pistachios and saffron threads.
• Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

 

Basbousa (Coconut yogurt semolina)

 

Basbousa, an Egyptian semolina cake with yogurt, is one of the quickest and most delicious desserts to make. It’s a coconut, yogurt, and semolina/farina cake that is sprinkled with nuts, and drizzled on with syrup, to give it the final seal of yummm… perfection!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of coarse semolina
• 1 cup of coconut
• ½ cup of melted butter
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup of whole roasted or blanched almonds/ pistachios/ cashews to garnish

For the syrup 

• 2 cups of sugar
• 1½ cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of rosewater
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Preparation 

The Cake

• Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9×9 or 8×8 square pan or a 9” round pie dish with butter or olive oil and set aside.
• Mix the semolina, coconut, sugar, baking soda, and the butter in a large bowl. Use your hands to incorporate the butter with the other ingredients until mixed well. Add the yogurt and continue mixing with your hands until fully combined. The mixture should be fairly thick and easy to press with hands (not thin like cake or brownie batter).
• Press the mix down onto a square baking dish or a round pie pan. The cake mix should be about 1 inch thick. Cut a diamond or square design in the cake with a butter knife. Place an almond or any other type of nut you have on hand onto each pre-cut square.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 30 min to 40 mins until it turns a bronze brown color. If no color forms on the top, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden/bronze.
• Cut the cake again along the pre-cut lines and pour cold syrup on top while it’s hot so it can be absorbed all through.

The Syrup 

While the cake is baking, mix all the ingredients for the syrup and place in saucepan on high heat until it boils. Boil for 10 minutes or until the syrup coats the back of a spoon.

Recipe courtesy:
Chef. Akthar Khan
Peninsula Suites operated by Lemon Tree Hotels – Bangalore

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com

Have you ever seen the rain?

 

The weather is straight out of the lyrics of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, “Have you ever seen the rain,” isn’t
it? Equal parts sun, sudden showers, and then sunny again! “It’ll rain on a sunny day – I know/ Shining down like water…”

This issue of Shared Space takes its inspiration from a little bit of the sun and a drizzle of rain to talk about: plants!
Wizard at growing them, or kill whatever you touch, there’s no one who doesn’t like plants. Find the perfect plant for
you, depending on the space and time you have..

In Responsibly Yours, we talk about something that at first, sounds like an oxymoron: an Empty Bin! Dig deep into the responsible way to segregate waste and find out why an Empty Bin – also known as a Zero Waste Bin – is such a big deal!

The recipes we have for you are again a mix of hot and cold. One to perk your guests up, and the other, to help you sleep better at night.

Take some time out to explore the hottest – and coolest – new destination: The Hotel in Whitefield. Drop in now for a weekend staycation – we guarantee you’ll never want to leave!

And finally, we have an extra shot of caffeine for you – in the form of a cool guide to different coffees and their story. Drink up!

Team Vaswani.

FEATURE

 

PLANT POWER IN YOUR HOME 

 

“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my
patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy of seeing them grow.” – David Hobson

Three things have the power to turn a house into a home: People, animals, and plants! These have the magical capacity to melt away all the tiredness of a working day, the moment you step into your home. What better way to be welcomed than by the cheer of a loved one, the jumping up and down of a dog who’s missed you (or a cat that pretends to have not noticed you were away), or the calming sight of a thriving home garden!

We believe that there’s no human being who doesn’t have a green thumb. If you’re the kind who struggles to keep plants alive, it’s probably because you haven’t met the right plant for you yet!

Making plants a part of your home – and your life – is not a skill. It’s an art, and we’d go so far as to say, it’s a philosophy. The kind of plants that you can have at home depends on the kind of space you have, the type of light that streams into it, and on how much time you have. Here’s a quick guide.

A SPACE TO PLANT 

 

“Just because you’ve only got houseplants doesn’t mean you don’t have the gardening spirit — I look upon myself as an indoor gardener.” — Sara Moss-Wolfe

Lucky are those who have a patch of earth to call their private garden. If you’re one of those, the sky is your limit. Planting a single tree can transform the way your garden and your home look. If you have a lot of space, dream big and go for a mango or an avocado tree, and generations (and neighbours) will thank you for it. If your space is smaller, go for a kachnar that delights with its pink flowers in spring, and has medicinal value too. Or a bamboo that takes just a few years to grow into a lush screen enveloping your house.

Even if you have just a balcony or two, you can have a personal green retreat. You can turn it into a vegetable garden, serving up lettuce, coriander, methi, arugula, and mint on demand, and why, even tomatoes and okra! Like flowers? Plant a frangipani in a large pot and watch it flower for years to come. Traditionally Indian flowering plants like marigold, hibiscus, or even peace lilies can transform a plain balcony into a sweet, scented attraction for bees and birds.

But if balcony space is limited, there is a host of indoor plants that can survive in low light and that take little maintenance. A perennial favourite is the pothos – or what we call the money plant – that grows just as well in soil and in water. Money plants are said to purify the air and filter out toxins. Rumour is that they also atract wealth. Areca palms grow well in indirect light and just one large plant can create the illusion of a lot of greenery in your living room. Our personal favourite is the very trendy ZZ plant, which became hugely popular as a backdrop to Zoom calls.

NO TIME TO PLANT? 

 

“Gardening is a work of a life?me; you never finish.” – Oscar de la Renta

At times when life is busy all around, there are small plants that ask very little of us. The snake plant is good if you water it once in 10 days or so. It’s also known as Mother-in-Law’s tongue… just saying.

Rubber plants – once planted right, which a gardener can do for you – are forever and take little maintenance. And what’s more, its glossy green leaves make this plant a feature in any room. If you’re a forgetful gardener, aloe vera is just right for you. You can go on a two-week work trip and still come back home to a thriving aloe vera and get a much-needed spa to boot!

If you want your plants to quickly multiply, choose the spider plant that produces baby plants that will soon fill up pot after pot in your home. The best plants ever for those with very little time are succulents. Succulents do well if you largely leave them alone, and it’s very possible to kill them with too much attention. They grow from just one leaf or bud, and thrive on windowsills, besides looking gorgeous.

So, no matter whether you’re a conscientious, impatient, or forgetful gardener, it’s all a matter of finding just the right plants for you. Plants add texture to your home, and also to your life. As Jenny Uglow says, “We may think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.” Truer words couldn’t be spoken!

 

RESPONSIBLY YOURS!

 

 

How to get to an empty trash bin at home

Do you know how much trash an average Indian home produces? Think about all the plastic that our produce and groceries come wrapped in, the throwaway food containers, the paper waste, not to mention the food waste. Indian homes produce 62 million tonnes of waste every year. Even if we segregate at our homes, there’s no guarantee that the waste will remain segregated. And much of the waste we give away to the municipal corporation van ends up in landfills.

And that’s why a lot of eco-friendly zero-waste warriors now advocate that we aim for an empty bin! Sounds confusing? After all, what’s a bin for if not to collect waste? Here’s how the Empty Bin concept works.

Dry waste

 

1. Wash and dry all plastic waste and collect it in a bag or box. Why wash and dry? Because we don’t want rotting organic and food waste to attract creepy crawlies or stink up our homes. And we certainly don’t want those who will be handling our waste to have to deal with that!

2. Have a separate bag for all the paper waste – including face tissues, tetrapaks, cardboard, and printing paper.

3. Wash and dry glass bottles and keep them in a separate bag or box.

4. Make sure to collect all your electronic waste in one place. Do the same with any medical supplies or even clothes.

4. Once a month – or once in two months, depending on how much waste your home produces – take all these separate bags and give them to a place that specialises in recycling. In Bangalore, for example, IndiaWasted takes in all kinds of waste that a home produces. They’ll even weigh it all and tell you how much your home has generated in a month. Wouldn’t you like to know?

Wet waste 

 

The primary source of waste in our homes is food or plant waste: peels, spoiling leftovers, coffee grounds, tea leaves, dried leaves, or flowers.

The best use of non-edible peels is to turn them into bio-enzymes. Add 10 portions of water to three portions of peels and one portion of jaggery, bottle it up, and leave it to ferment for 90 days. Strain and use this as a cleaning agent.

If that sounds like too much work, compost all your food waste. Enlist a few of your neighbours and start a whole community composting project. Composting is the best way to make sure that the food waste your home continues to live on – in your garden!

MALL

 

BROOKEFIELD MALL

 

Catch the latest sales at your favorite brands at Brookefield Mall. Unbelievable finds at throwaway prices await you at stores such as Soch, Pantaloons, Biba, Zivame and Melange. Stock up for the season, and head over to the restaurants or food court to sample the delectable range of cuisines on offer. Make a complete day of it by watching a film with the family. INOX shows you how to movie.

 

IF YOU DON’T GO, YOU’LL HAVE FOMO

 

 

The hottest destination in town has been open for a few months now – have you been there?

Come stay at the Peninsula Suites in Whitefield, now operated by Lemon Tree Hotels. Whether it’s a long vacation you seek, or a work-cation, come and make yourselves at home in our swanky rooms, each with its own private balcony.

Start your day with some lifting at the gym, a spot of snooker or squash, or a yoga class. A quick 15 minutes at the sauna, and you’re all set for the day.

Work out of one of the 44 executive suites or the 60 studio homes, while the family hangs out in our pretty and manicured lawns or by the poolside. It’s completely safe, with a shallow pool for toddlers! Run a meeting or even a workshop from our executive boardroom on the premises.

End the evening with a drink at our lounge or a scrumptious meal at our restaurant.

The Peninsula Suites feels so much like home, that you will check-in, and never want to leave!

SPECIAL 

DELICIOUSLY, YOURS

 

HOT CHOCOLATE

 

Did you know that hot chocolate played a key role in the success of the expedition to the South Pole by the Norwegian team led by Roald Amundsen? It’s well known that Amundsen’s team got to the South Pole a month ahead of the British team led by Robert Scott. But few know that Scott’s team perished on the return journey as they ran out of food, while Amundsen’s team, which had packed five times as much cocoa, made it back because they had plenty of hot chocolate to keep them warm and nourished! The recipe as such is an American one. Without much delay, here’s how to whip up a delicious cuppa hot chocolate!

INGREDIENTS

 

• Cocoa powder: ¼ cup                       • Chocolate chips: ½ tsp
• Milk: 4 cups                                         • Vanilla extract: ¼ tsp
• Granulated sugar: ¼ cup

Recipe

In a saucepan, mix all ingredients and bring to boil on a low flame, and keep aside. Pour into a glass and serve with whipped cream and crushed chocolate chips on top.

TIRAMISU

 

Tiramisu might make you melt, but did you know that the meaning of the Italian phrase is, literally, “pick me up!” The presence of coffee and cocoa in this dessert might have something to do with that. So the next time you want to add some pep to your party, you might want to serve this ‘pick me up’ right at the end of the meal. Way to ensure that the party goes on!

INGREDIENTS

 

• Large egg yolks: 6                       • Mascarpone cheese: 50 gm
• White sugar: ¾ cup                   • Strong brewed coffee: ¼ cup
• Milk: 2/3 cup                               • Rum: 2 tsp
• Whipped cream: 1.25 cup         • Ladyfinger cookies: 2 tsp
• Vanilla essence: ½ tsp              • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1 tsp

Recipe

In a bowl whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and milk. Cook over medium heat for one minute. Cover airtight and keep in the refrigerator for one hour. Add mascarpone cheese. Beat cream and vanilla essence into it.

Split ladyfinger cookies in a bowl, then pour coffee and rum over and add whipped cream and egg yolks. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top and refrigerate for five hours. Yummy tiramisu ready!

Recipe courtesy: Chef. Akthar Khan, Peninsula Suites operated by Lemon Tree Hotels – Bangalore

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com

Here Comes the Spring…

 

What a fabulous year it has been so far! With Indian films literally dancing away with awards at the 95th Oscars, there’s a tiny pink bloom of joy and pride in our collective heart. If you haven’t yet danced to Naatu Naatu, you’ve got to, got to!

This issue of Shared Space brings conceptual ideas on how to usher spring into your home. Conceptual, we say, because you can interpret these suggestions any which way! Deep, huh? Let us know if something struck a chord in you.

In Responsibly Yours, we travel way back to our childhood, to take inspiration from the endearing recycling habits of all Indian parents (that once annoyed us). From the compulsive saving of paper and scraps of fabric to extending the life cycle of clothes and shoes and everything else. Our parents knew best after all!

The recipe for this issue is, surprise, surprise, one for the perfect staycation or workcation! The Hotel in Whitefield is a completely new place now, with larger rooms, better amenities, and a whole new experience. Do check in.

Enjoy our specially curated list of documentary shorts and features, all of which made a splash globally!

Team Vaswani.

FEATURE

 

SPRING IT ON YOUR HOME!

 

Spring is when trees vie with one another to paint the roads. Here a pongamia spraying uniformly purple buds, there a tabebuia throwing shade at its more famous rival, the sakura. The streets are a riot of colors in spring. It’s as if the young season were inciting the trees, the flowers, the leaves, and why, even the sky, to revolt against the drab grey of winter. When nature has picked up her spray-can and is doing a Banksy everywhere, why should your home not follow suit?

This April, make your home a riot, a revolution, a surprise, a subversion of the normal.

• Colour no bar

Pastels, of course, are the obvious choice. The flowers of spring are, at first glance, pale and soft pastels. But even the tabebuia comes in an argenta version that envelops the roads in a sulphurous glow. Throw in a splash of the genda’s orange, a dash of the lilium’s pink. All rules are off.

• A dash of floral prints

“I must have flowers, always and always,” said Claude Monet. Don’t know about always, but spring certainly calls for a splash of floral prints that lift the room and our hearts. Go all out in an extravaganza of turquoise and fuchsia upholstery – or if that seems a bit much, bring in small streaks of florals – in artwork, in throws, in cushion covers.

Or, if floral prints feel too permanent, create gasp-worthy centrepieces with the real thing – flowers and fruit – that are so abundant this season.

• Birdsong

Spring is the season when you can, literally, have birdsong in your balcony. Hang up a feeder or a water bowl, find a hiding spot in your bedroom (behind the curtains), and watch your garden turn into the late ornithologist Salim Ali’s backyard. You’ll love their song, and so will your companion dog or cat, for entirely different reasons!

• Shades of green

Look out of the window and there are close to 25 shades of green staring back at you. Just how many hues of green can this season spring upon us (pun fully intended)? Bring just a handful of these shades of green into your rooms and turn every corner of your home gram-worthy.

• Let there be more light

The sun hits differently in spring. Take full advantage of it, by replacing the heavy drapes with sheer summery cotton and mul curtains that lend a lightness to your rooms – and your heart.

Back when air-conditioned homes and offices didn’t exist, human beings lived in close communion with the changing seasons. The seasons le? their footprints not only on what we wore and ate, but also on how we felt. When we switched to lighter and cooler fabrics for clothing, we felt lighter, within. High-rise apartments and busy lifestyles have allowed us to live almost in oblivion to the changing seasons. What if we pushed back, and used a little bit of createvity to bring seasons back into our lives – not just on holidays, but every single day?

Take spring back, people!

 

RESPONSIBLY YOURS!

 

 

Bring the habits of childhood back into our lives

As children, didn’t we hate it when our parents insisted that we tear out one-sided pages from notebooks at the end of the year and use them as rough paper? Or recycled clothing within extended families to the point where the youngest child in line rarely received a new frock?

Fast forward 30 years. Climate change is real, it’s present, and it’s a danger that threatens the future of the planet and of our children. Now, don’t some of these recycling habits of our parents seem so practical, sensible… even cool?

1. As already mentioned, gather up all the single-sided paper in the house to make post-it notes and rough notebooks.

2. Repurpose your old clothes by turning old jeans into bags, pants into long skirts, and kurtas into saree blouses. Not only can you get a new outfit, but you also extend their life!

3. Ever thought about giving pre-loved gifts? A well-thumbed and loved book; a scarf that was just right in your teens but that you can’t pull off now; a lamp that looks as good as new that you’re tired of seeing – can these much-loved items bring joy to another?

4. Donate stuff when it’s still in good condition. Donate it to people who need them, or to a garage sale fundraiser. Spring cleaning is not just about decluttering – but also about giving!

5. Turn old blankets and tees into duster, dish, and wash cloths. Give it a hem around the corners if you want to be fancy.

MALL

 

BROOKEFIELD MALL: FRESH STOCKS FOR SPRING SHOPPING

 

Brookefield Mall is ready for spring. Our wide range of brands such as Soch, Max, Pantaloons, Biba, W, Levi’s, Zodiac, Melange, and Reliance Digital are spilling over with fresh stocks and the season’s trends. Shop till you’re hungry, then choose from our delectable range of cuisines on offer and relax with a nice meal.

Make a day of it by watching a film with the family. Inox shows you how to movie.

 The Hotel’s Where It’s At 

 

 

There’s a spanking new hotel in town. Or rather, one so thoroughly refurbished and elevated,that you’d
think it was new..

The all-new 103 key PENINSULA SUITES in Whitefield will be managed and operated by India’s premier hotel chain, Lemon Tree Hotels. With rooms larger than others in this category, and each one with its own private balcony, Peninsula Suites is the perfect place for a stay- or work-cation.

Start your day with some lifting at the gym, a spot of squash, or a yoga class. A quick 15 minutes of exercise and you’re all set for the day.

Work out of one of our 44 executive suites or the 60 studio homes, while the family hangs out in our pretty
and manicured lawns or by the poolside. It’s completely safe, with a shallow pool for toddlers! Run a meeting or even a workshop from our executive boardroom on the premises.

End the evening with a drink at our lounge and a scrumptious meal in our restaurant. The Peninsula Suites will feel so much like home that you will check in, but never want to leave!

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com

HELLO

 

Home is where the heart is. And home is central to the celebration of Diwali, which is all about people and relationships.

This Diwali special edition of Shared Space brings you ways to heighten the celebrations at home, with food, laughter, friends, and fashion. Pro tip: Do put together a Diwali special playlist that will have the whole crowd jamming.

In Responsibly Yours, we find ways to light up other lives, while going easy on the planet’s finite resources. Tell us which of these you’ve done, and we’d be delighted to feature your story. And since nothing brings people together like food, we have a twin recipe surprise in store for you.

Talking about homes, we have just the last few homes at Vaswani Menlo Park now! Is one of these your home? Come and find out.

Happy Diwali,

Team Vaswani.

FEATURE

 

Dazzle at home, this Diwali!

 

Sparkling diyas, spanking clean and brightly lit homes, the hum of conversation with friends and family that gets louder and louder, dressing up in new threads, and of course, food! What is it about this festival of lights that calls out to all of us?

Let there be light in your home, and heart

Most Diwali backstories carry an element of light winning over darkness. Diwali heralds the start of winter, so the symbolism of an array of diyas and fairy lights driving away the darkness (of winter) is well-timed. Go pro and dress up your whole building in fairy lights! Or if you’re the minimalist kind, go with earthen or brass diyas that throw a deep golden hue over the evening. Candles, tea-lights, lamps, there’s an array of choices out there to make your home glow with the Diwali spirit. And isn’t there something about lighting a lamp that feels like hope

Declutter your home, and your mind

Diwali has always been a time to declutter, deep clean, and decorate your home. Give away the things you don’t use. Throw away what can’t be salvaged. Scrub every part of the home – especially places that get missed, in the kitchen, the bathrooms, the pantry, lofts, fans, doors, and windows. When the surroundings are clean and clutter-free, you’d be surprised to see how much better you feel within.

Invite people to your table – and into your life

Maya Angelou famously said, “When you invite someone to sit at your table and you cook for them, you’re inviting them into your life.” And what better time than Diwali to round up long-lost friends and family, all caught up in the business of life, and bring them together at your dining table! Go all out and cook up a five-course meal this Diwali for your loved ones. It’s the best way to show people that you care.

New clothes make you feel new

Getting new clothes on Diwali is a memory that children carry late into their lives. This is one special festival so go the extra mile to buy your loved ones new clothes. Dressing up is half the fun of Diwali, after all. And don’t forget to take a Diwali selfie, friends and family edition.

The recipe to a rocking Diwali night

Create spaces where people can gather in small groups to get conversations going. Put together a tasteful array of finger food and drinks. Keep the tempo going with a game of cards, Taboo, or even a giant board of Snakes and Ladders! Create a Diwali special playlist according to the mood, starting off with rocking Bollywood numbers, gradually melting into soulful Arjit songs or ghazals. Keep an eye to make sure that the conversation doesn’t flag, that the food and drinks keep coming, and that the mood gets more and more boisterous.

Irrespective of what you do, Diwali is all about having a good time with friends and family. Let your hair down and chill. Of course, make sure to have a cracker-free Diwali – for the sake of our ears, for the animals around us, and for the environment!

 

RESPONSIBLY YOURS!

 

 

Make this a Sustainable Diwali

 

Every celebration holds the danger of excess, which in turn has an effect on the planet! This Diwali, here are some ways to have fun, responsibly!

Consider slow fashion:

Buy from brands that use sustainably sourced fabric. Buy timeless pieces that will last a lifetime, rather than things you’d discard after a season. Or go radical this Diwali and upcycle a rarely-worn piece into a new outfit!

Hold a jumble sale:

When you’re decluttering, instead of throwing away stuff, hold a bring-and-buy jumble sale for the neighbourhood that allows people to bring their items and swap for other items. It’s a way to extend the use of things that were once loved – or for things that may not work for you but are perfect for someone else’s home! A jumble sale is also a way of creating a Recycle Circle within the community, and a way to make new friends. What’s not to love!

Plant a cracker:

Several traditional lighting and incense brands have turned to eco-friendly Diwali options such as crackers that can be planted. No more smoke in the air and ear-splitting noise, not to mention the exploitation that goes into the making of crackers. Get crackers that grow.

It’s time to give:

Light up another life this Diwali with a gift of money, your time, or resources in kind. Sponsor the education of a child. Adopt a street dog. Give away clothes you no longer need to an organisation (make sure they’re in good condition). Volunteer with a cause.

Together, let’s get the spirit of giving going, so that the Diwali spirit shines brighter.

MALL

 

COME EXPERIENCE DIWALI IN EVERY NOOK AND STORE!

 

Come to Vaswani Brookefield Mall, for a complete Diwali experience. Choose from a wide range of brands like Soch, Pantaloons, Mochi, ALL, Zivame andReliance Digital. Shop till you’re hungry, then take your pick at Corner House, Taco Bell, NH8, BOHO, Onesta, Dunkin Donuts, Chaayos and many more. And while you’re here, do check out the latest Diwali dhamaka releases at INOX

SPECIAL 

 

Sugartime

 

Since Ponniyin Selvan in playing in the movies, did you know that Chola warriors were said to have carried laddoos with them for good luck? Or that the much-loved Shahi Tukda was apparently brought to India by Babur? Since there’s no Diwali without sweets – we have here for you two recipes, one with a healthy twist, and the second as rich as the season warrants. Dig right in.

Oats Laddoo

Recipe Image Courtesy: fitelo.com

INGREDIENTS:

Spinach filling:

• Grated coconut – 100 gm
• Jaggery – 1 cup (240ml)
• Oats – 100 gm
• Green cardamom powder
• Assorted nuts and raisins
• Ghee to taste

Method:

• Dry roast oats in a non-stick pan until we get a nice aroma; set aside for cooling.
• Coarsely powder roasted oats in a mixer. Keep aside.
• Mix 1 tbsp water, grated coconut, and sugar and cook on a low flame.
• After a while, when the coconut mixture begins to release moisture, add green cardamom powder.
• Continue to cook till all the water evaporates. You will see tiny sugar strings in the mix.
• Add the powdered oats, mix well, and remove from the flame. Do not continue to cook or else the mix will become dry and may not bind together.
• Add the raisins, nuts, and ghee; mix well.
• Transfer to a plate and let it cool for around five minutes.
• Grease your palms and take small portions of this mix to roll into laddoos.

Enjoy this yummy and healthy treat as dessert after a heavy Diwali lunch or serve it as a snack!

 

Stuffed Shahi Tukda

 

Recipe Image Courtesy: sanjeevkapoor.com

INGREDIENTS:

• White sliced bread – 4
• Cashew nuts – 100 gm
• Almonds – 2 tsp
• Raisins – 1 tsp
• Toned Milk – 1 ltr
• Sugar – 250 gm
• Ghee – 100 ml
• Saffron – a pinch
• Rose petals – 2
• Green cardamom powder – 1 tsp
• Chopped Pistachios/Almonds – for garnish

Method:

• Heat milk in a non-stick pan and stir till reduced to half to make rabdi. Add sugar and stir to a thick consistency for approximately 15 mins on a low flame. Keep aside.
• Take the bread slices and cut off the corners. Roll the white portion of the bread to make it flat and smooth.
• Add the stuffing comprising crushed almonds, cashew nuts, and raisins into the bread and fold.
• In a non-stick pan, add ghee and place the stuffed bread. Toast on both sides until golden brown.
• Take a decorative platter, pour rabdi, place the stuffed tukda over the rabdi.
• Add a few spoons of rabdi over the stuffed tukdas and garnish with chopped nuts, rose petals and saffron.

That’s a dish worthy of Diwali for you!

Recipe courtesy: Hotel Royal Orchid , Whitefield, Bangalore

 

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com

HELLO

 

Here’s a quiz for you.

Which cult classic book is this quote from? (answer at the end of this section …)

“Love means never ever having to say you’re sorry.”

Books bring out the best in us. They inspire us with their ideas; they take us to new places and let us meet people we’d probably never meet. “That’s the thing with books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”                              – Jhumpa Lahiri, “The Namesake”.

This issue of Shared Space brings you famous quotes from books that have the power to set our minds on fire. We take a deep dive into the hydroponic method of gardening, so perfect for city dwellers who still crave for that patch of land. In Responsibly Yours, we talk about how to travel in a way that treads lightly on the environment and that contributes to the place and the people.

Take the time to rustle up a meal for your family with this exquisite spinach ricotta lasagna that will have them asking for more.

We are also very proud to launch Vaswani Bel Air – an exclusive project in the charming neighborhood of Bandra, Mumbai. Bel Air brings together the most current trends in high living with an old-world charm that no other location can provide. Give us a call and take a look.                                                                                                                  Stay well,

Team Vaswani.

Answer: Love Story, by Erich Segal

FEATURE

 

TURN ON… THE WATERWORKS (LITERALLY)

As the population rises and land gets crowded, you might think that having a garden – in the heart of the city – is a pipedream. Hydroponics shows that pipedreams may well come true. Blended from the Latin for ‘water,’ hydro, and work or labour, ponos, hydroponics is a way of growing plants without soil! Intrigued? Dig right in.

Why hydroponics

It would be a mistake to approach hydroponics as a form of gardening that we must adopt because space is scarce. Rather, many traditional farmers have reported that they are able to plant four times the amount of crops in the same space, using hydroponics. What’s more, some crops have been known to consume 90% less water than if they had been grown in soil.

• Space is no constraint

Plants grown using the technique of hydroponics take far less space than plants grown in soil. This is because the roots of hydroponically-grown plants don’t have to spread out in search of nutrients, moisture and sunshine. Moisture and nutrients are directly applied to the roots of hydroponically-grown plants, thereby minimising the space required!

• It takes less water!

Plants grown hydroponically take less water than plants grown in soil! Does this even make sense? Absolutely. If you’re growing plants in a closed system, water evaporates at a lower rate; also, the water we put into the plants can be filtered, given a dose of nutrients and fed back to plants! Depending on the efficiency of the system you create and the particular crop, you might end up using between 10% and 90% less water than with soil-grown plants.

• Yields are higher and better

Think of it like this. If all distractions were taken away and you could just focus on a task, chances are you’d get it done faster – and much better! It’s exactly like that with hydroponics. With the stress of having to branch roots out in search of water and nutrients taken away, the plants grow vertically and focus all their energy on giving the best yield! You also avoid the dangers of pesticides and artificial ripening methods and get better, safer, food.

 

• Grow anything, anywhere, anytime

With hydroponics, what we’re doing is creating a micro-climate, far less susceptible to weather conditions. So you can grow any vegetable in any weather, in any geography or season! While this is less true of your balcony garden, many balcony gardeners have gone on to become pro hydroponic farmers, and built greenhouses in their balconies or terraces. Such advanced systems insulate you against the climate. Want mangoes in the dead of winter? You just might be able to get them!

• Reduce your kitchen footprint

Instead of buying vegetables grown in the other part of the country or even the globe, here’s your chance to go local, by growing local. With hydroponics, you can reduce your carbon footprint even more, given the savings in water and soil. Not to mention the savings in transport (given the fuel prices) and supply chain!

Wanna get started? There’s plenty of information available online on how to put in place a hydroponic setup in Bangalore, or any other Indian city. And unlike the hydroponics pioneers of a few years ago – the purists – there are setup kits readily available online.

Send us a picture in a few months of your hydroponic garden, and we’ll be delighted to feature it!

 

RESPONSIBLY YOURS!

 

 

Don’t be THAT tourist!

The best traveller is one whose presence the locals hardly feel. This sums up the essence of responsible tourism, a movement that seeks to counter the extractive and exploitative effects of regular tourism. And it goes far beyond not littering or avoiding plastic waste. Here’s how you can be a responsible tourist, so that the community or place you visit is better for your presence.

Do not touch:

When visiting monuments, take care not to touch, push, or deface. The monuments have weathered centuries – but they are fragile and susceptible to human touch. As far as possible, view monuments from a distance. Teach children to not pick local flowers, or pick up rocks or stones. We might think picking up a stone is of no consequence, but thousands of tourists all picking up one stone – you get the picture!

Say no to wildlife abuse:

Taking children to the zoo or an animal reserve? Think hard before you firm up your plans. Are the wild animals you will be seeing genuine rescues, and has care been taken to give them a life as close to the wild as possible? Or are the animals kept drugged for humans to pet, are they tied up for long periods, or are they trained in cruel ways to perform for humans? Do not buy souvenirs made from bone or shell. Do not ride animals. Remember, your children will walk away with the message you give them.

Contribute to the local economy:

While visiting places where tourism plays a major role in the local economy, contribute to that economy when you travel. Buy souvenirs from local artisans, eat at local restaurants rather than at established chains, support local businesses – even in things like choosing a tour guide or a homestay. Cycle or walk as much as possible or use local transport. In places that are already fuel scarce, driving around in fuel guzzling vehicles contributes to the problem.

Don’t vacation. Staycation:

Staying for a longer period in a place gives you the chance to explore the local culture, meet interesting people, and why, even make friends! You can even work out of the place, if your job allows it. When you immerse yourself in a culture – even if it’s for two weeks – you learn much more, your mind expands, and hey, you even get the best deals on food and travel because you become a familiar face!

SPECIAL 

 

THE ITALIAN MOOD IS STILL GOING STRONG

Italy may have broken the hearts of all football fans by not making it to the World Cup in Qatar, but at Vaswani, it’s Team Italy forever. Especially in our kitchens. From the light salad we served up last time, we now dig deeper into a fuller meal of spinach and ricotta lasagne. And remember, as football legend Baggio said, “We Italians only eat our pasta al dente!”

SPINACH RICOTTA LASAGNA

Recipe Image Courtesy: carveyourcraving.com

 

INGREDIENTS:

Spinach filling:

• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tbsp virgin olive oil
• ½ cup of fine chopped shallots
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• Crushed salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 bunches of fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried

Ricotta:

• 200 gm fresh ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 200 gm parmesan cheese
• ½  freshly grated nutmeg

White Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 150 gm of grated mozzarella cheese
• 150 gm of grated Emmental or Gruyère cheese

For binding:

• Eight fresh lasagna sheets

PREPARATION:

Spinach:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add shallots and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about a minute, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. Add a few large handfuls of spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted. Continue adding spinach a handful at a time until it is all in the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the moisture evaporates. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer spinach to a fine strainer and squeeze out excess water

Let the spinach continue to drain as you prepare the ricotta mixture.

Ricotta:

Transfer half of the ricotta, both eggs, the parmesan, and the nutmeg to the bowl of a food processor. Season with salt and pepper. Process until completely smooth, for about a minute.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl but do not wipe out food processor. Transfer spinach to food processor and pulse until finely chopped; give it 10 to 12 short pulses. Add spinach and remaining ricotta to the ricotta mixture and fold gently to combine.

Bechamel sauce:

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add flour and increase heat to medium high. Cook for about a minute, stirring butter and flour with a whisk until pale golden blond. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in milk. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and add 3/4 of mozzarella and Comté, Gruyere, or Emmental cheese. Whisk until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Assemble:

Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta sheets a few at a time and cook until barely tender, for about 45 seconds. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer and run under cool water until well chilled. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel in a single layer. Continue until all pasta is par-cooked and dried. Drizzle a small amount of white sauce over the bottom of a lasagna pan or large casserole. Add a lasagne sheet. Top with 1/12th of spinach mixture and 1/12th of remaining white sauce. Continue layering pasta, spinach, and white sauce until you lay down the top sheet of pasta.

Spread the remaining spinach mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella or Emmental cheese and drizzle with remaining white sauce. Spread into an even layer with a rubber spatula.

Cover tightly with aluminium foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until bubble and lightly browned, about 20 minutes longer. Place in room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice and serve with toasted garlic loaf.

Recipe courtesy: Shinoj Joseph, Area General Manager, Hotel Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels.

Get in Touch

Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479

Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com