Thursday 5 March 2015

Mistress of spices



If one has to sum up Indian cooking, invariably we end up explaining our most basic items in the kitchen - spices. There is no escaping from these intriguing looking things which translates into oodles of aroma and fragrance. So my story originated from spices and creating magic with these spices were Tanvi - my mistress of spices.

Now what I liked about it was the simple entrepreneurship. An Indian kitchen just cannot do without spices. You take that idea, put it into a jar and quite simply just sell it !!! That's what Tanvi did. She was working as a HR but an accident left her out of job and a subsequent slow recovery made her rethink about her career options. "I kept on thinking for days what is it that I am good at? " she says smiling. The answer came with an exciting idea of selling fresh, homemade spices. " My husband was totally against it initially given my chronic asthmatic condition but I was convinced beyond doubt. So when I am working with spices either grinding or experimenting, I use a mask or cover my face. But at times I have to bear the brunt - occupational hazard you see" she adds.



Not only is she catering for regular kitchen masalas like deggi mirch, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, chole masala, chaat masala turmeric powder but also there are also innovative spices like dahi vada masala, raita masala, subzi masala, dried tomatoes masala. She informs," I keep on experimenting with proportions which gives my spices a
unique taste ". Right now Tanvi is selling spices on individual requirement and also catering to a few restaurants as well. So if you are looking for freshly, hygienically made spices for your kitchen or you require large scale quantities for commercial purpose you can reach Tanvi or mail her on tanvi.kumar82@gmail.com.

Friday 20 February 2015

Review - Lint Remover

By "Shlog"


I never thought home improvement tools would be of any interest for me. But once I said goodbye to my maid of many years, I thought let me see if there is anything revolutionary in market. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled on a whole bunch of them!!!!! I came across a few quirky ones as well. For e.g. there is something called bra washing bag as well (http://m.shopclues.com/special-cleaning-underwear-bra-washing-bag-for-washing-machine.html ). Put your expensive lingerie inside this bag and it can be easily washed in a washing machine. Sweet!!!!
                                       For those of you who are petrified of rodents, here comes a device with ultrasonic waves aptly named 'bug scare' for you. (http://m.shopclues.com/lizard-repeller.html). It will show the door to rodents like lizards, snakes, bed-bugs, cockroaches, mosquitoes and other insects. I don't know if it works or not but I like the sound of it.
                                       Coming back to my topic, I am reviewing a Lint remover out of this pile of gadgets. Now the bobbles and piling on our clothes have bothered us all at one time or the other. Let's put this gadget to use and see if it is really a life saver:




I have got this very handy 'Waken' lint remover which has costed me 350 bucks. I bought it from a supermarket but it is easily available online as well ( http://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B00KFGQLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?qid=1424404934&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=lint+roller).
Before using make sure that the product is fully charged. Remove the protective cover off the rotary blades.

Now lay the fabric flat on the surface, switch it on and simple move it in back and forth motion, all the while keeping the fabric really taut.




Since it is a rather compact product, you may have to empty the pile container a couple of times.



My verdict is that at this price it is definitely a worthwhile product. You won't get that crisp new look back but at least it won't look like you are wearing something that is downright weather beaten.

                                    Hope this review has helped you. Have you been using any of these miracle gadgets at home with success? Please feel free to share your experience and feedback with us.