bpb Freebie: Cool discount on bar and other home accessories by Coyote Silver. For this and other deals, and well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bLISS

What: Moon cakes from Chin’s Oriental Gourmet, call Lawrence on 9869200486 / 26461358, home delivery in Bandra and Khar, start at Rs 30 per piece, minimum order of a dozen required before Sep 12.

Why: For one month every year, Bandra’s Chin family bakes fanciful moon cakes to celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival (September 22). These gaze-worthy pastries are nice and crusty on the outside and filled with delicate red bean paste, coconut or dry fruit.  Sigh-light!

When: You want to spoon the moon.

***

What: Hand woven textiles at Vaya, Jeevan Kiran, SV Road, Bandra (W), call 26436556, start at Rs 1,800.

Why: With weavers from all over India – Benares, Pune, Hyderabad - spooling in to fill its pretty block printed cabinets, Vaya is a far cry from your regular fabric store. Fruit of the loom include a startling red Maheshwari sari, three-hued woolen scarf and a Rs 4-lakh silver-gold Upada.

When: Opens today, zari up and get there!

pRIX FIXE

What: Mumbai Restaurant Week (see Facebook group here or visit www.restaurantweekindia.com), Rs 1,000 per head; and Art Conspiracy (visit Facebook group here, mail your entries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Why: Mumbai restaurants get a whole lot more fun this month with Restaurant Week, which allows you to dine at the hottest tables (Stella, Indigo, KOH, India Jones, Tote on the Turf) on the cheap. Plus, the Art Conspiracy gives Bandra eateries a make-over,  populating them with works by budding artists – including you!

When: Restaurant Week runs from September 6 -13; submission deadline for Art Conspiracy is September 25.

BOUNTY

What: Swapna Rishi yoga mat bag at O.M.O, 204 second floor, Sagar Fortune, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W), call 66981804, Rs 1,300.

Why: Pretty and unusual, these South silk bags might be expensive but we thought our budgets could do with a little stretch. Besides holding a yoga pad, they come with wooden detailing and a pocket for phone, keys and exorbitant class fees.

When: You want a rug urn.

***

What: Big ass T-shirts from TKProject, visit www.tkproject.in, available at Bombay Electric, Reay House, Colaba, Rs 950.

Why: Get a back stage look at this year’s Ganpathi festivities with these uber-cool Tshirts. Conceptualised by the brand new Italian-Indian TKProject (pronounced “theek hai”), these depict the rear end of a retreating elephant, big ears, stubby tail and all.

When: You want to fall pray to fashion.

***

Event Round-up: Vibrasphere at Aurus on Sept 3, Ultimate DJ Challenge at Blue Frog on Sept 4, and Japan’s Tsukiji fish market comes to San-Qi at The Four Seasons Hotel.

bpb Freebie: Sweet freebie from Just Deliveries exclusively for subscribers. For this and other cool discounts, plus a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bKC

What: California Pizza Kitchen, 3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, visit the Facebook group here, Rs 1,800 for a meal for two.

Why: Sauced from across the world, this wildly popular American chain is finally in Mumbai, bringing with it a trail of unusual and seriously yum pizzas (Greek, Thai, Mexican). bpb scores a first look – read the review here.

When: Opens on Sunday, August 29.

pULL

What: Watson Fitness, 891, Notan Classic, 1st floor, opposite Ensemble, off Turner Road, Bandra (W), call 65848422, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.watsonfitness.com, start at Rs 18,000 for 3 month membership.

Why: Once a coveted celebrity sweat shop, Watson Fitness has a new avatar that is open to everyone. We (bench) pressed them for a pre-tour which revealed an expansive gym, long balcony cafe and numerous classes including yoga, mat pilates, fit wall and boot camp.

When: (Tread)milling on the gloss begins mid-September. Memberships currently open.

***

What: Made-to-order sling purse from Inkberri, call Simran Bijlani on 9821461309, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Facebook group here, Rs 1,650.

Why: We love when new-on-the-scene designer Simran Bijlani gives us the cool shoulder, especially the military green leather purse with pretty floral flap and sling attached. She also customises bags to suit your whims, changing colours, handles and pockets.

When: You want the new tote on the turf.

bREAKFAST & BED

What: Organic vegetables by Hari Bhari Tokri, call Ubai Hussein on +91 9930448204 or download the registration form here, pick up centers include Fort, Peddar Road, Bandra (W), Andheri (W) and Vile Parle (E), Rs 100 for a 1.5 kg basket, plus Rs 500 registration deposit.

Why: Find your Prince Farming through this novel scheme, which sets you up with a weekly basket of fresh vegetables (greens, beans, tomatoes), grown on an assigned field located not more than 200 km from the city. Just fill out the registration form, and enjoy the delish pick-ups.

When: You want your own once upon a thyme.

***

What: Postcard pillow at Serenity, Clamar Building, opposite Guru Nanak Park, junction of 16th and 29th Road, Bandra (W), call 9920766894, Rs 650.

Why: Head bored? Bring into the sack this cute gunny pillow with a postcard print from Serenity, Bandra’s brand new home store. Other soft landings include printed poufs, yoga floor pads and Royal Enfield cushions.

When: You want to scrawl into bed.

***

Event Round-Up: Vagina Monologues on August 28 and 29 at 6 pm at The Comedy Store; Post-oil spill Sunday beach clean up by Bombay Fishing Club on August 29 (location and time TBD), call Santosh on 9967366777; Styluz Night with multiple music genres at Zenzi Mills on August 27 at 9 pm.

bpb Freebie: Free birthday treats at Gostana, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other cool discounts, plus a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bEFRIEND

What: bpb Operator, call (022) 22161497, free service.

Why: Because we’ve known each other long enough and it’s time we gave you our digits. Call bpb’s brand new concierge service with queries on anything Mumbai-related: dresses, date ideas, drum circles. If we don’t have an answer right away, we’ll get back to you in under two hours.

When: Weekdays from 11.30 am to 6.30 pm. Don’t forget - we’ll be waiting!

pUN-GENT

What: Aruna’s home-made ginger chutney, call Anoop Patnaik at 9819915112 or visit the Facebook page here, Rs 180 for 250 gms.

Why: Because this traditional condiment from Andhra Pradesh – Allam Pachchadi – has sweet and spice and all things nice. It can be paired with everything from a BLT sandwich to a dosa, but we like it best with plain dal and rice. Also in the works is a prawn version, and one made from the gungura sour leaf. Take your pick(le)!

When: You’re striving for a sour-glass figure.

***

What: Performing waiters from Sound Spirit, call Jigar on 9820746266 or visit www.soundspirit.in, price on request.

Why: Backed by a scriptwriter, choreographer and director, expect this theatrical waiter trio to break into a surprise song and dance routine in between courses. Beau ties! Sound Spirit can also dish out flying bands, sand animation storytellers and an all-Brit brass band for your baraat.

When: You want a maître Glee.  

bUDDHA

What: Atha Yogashala, Agonda Beach, Goa, visit www.yogaretreatsgoa.com or call Suveer on +91 9833122677, start at Rs 17,680 for a weeklong retreat.

Why: The beach view from this brand new yoga studio, fully equipped and presided over by internationally recognised instructors, is enough to get you bent into shape. Add tie-ups with pretty resorts, full service community breakfast and enthusiastic owners, and you have a perfect ommm away from home! 

When: Bookings currently open for first yoga retreat on November 4; early bird discount for enrollments before September 30.

***

What: Vinyl wall stickers from Stimuleye, to order call Ramona on 9833688820/ 26870488 or visit the Facebook group here, start at Rs 100 per square foot.

Why: bpb sniffed (out) this glue especially for you: made-to-order vinyl wall stickers that feature your favourite print, movie poster, photograph or illustration, and are crafted from super cool translucent and opaque materials.

When: You need a wall wisher.

Event Round-Up: Mocha TreeHuggers trek at Sanjay Gandhi National Park on August 22 at 7 am, call 9619863225; Mia Cucina, Bandra starts Sunday brunch at noon; Corona Monsoon Project at Zenzi Mills on August 21 at 10 pm.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get an exclusive discount at Attic’s second birthday sale on August 15! For this and other cool deals, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bAO WOW

What: KOH, InterContinental Marine Drive, call 39879600 to make a reservation, approximately Rs 1,400 per head without alcohol.

Why: After setting up super successful Thai restaurants in New York, Barcelona and Bangkok, celebrity chef Ian Kittichai is now ready to take Mumbai by storm with his first Indian project, KOH. But is the food really worth all this hype? Read the bpb preview here to find out.

When: Opens to the public next week.

pENCIL IN

What: Macho moustache closet hangers, to order (2 weeks notice required) email Priti from Red Lion on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 2,000 for a set of four.

Why: bpb stubbled upon adorable moustache-shaped hangers in various silhouettes - handlebar, walrus, pencil, Dali - by Red Lion, a division of advertising powerhouse Publicis. Design gurus here undertake this secret service on order only, also making umbrellas, postcards and super cute Chai Biscoot coasters.

When: You need whisker pegs to face your wardrobe.

***

What: Say you’re sorry with Ahmed Khattal, calligraphy artist extraordinaire, 8 Killedar Mansion, Killedar Street, Jacob Circle, Byculla, call 9821499747 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 10 per line.

Why: Take the sting out of your words with a handwritten note lovingly laboured over by Khattal, one of the city’s best calligraphy artists. Bring him your apology message and a sheet of pretty paper, and let him take care of the rest – you’ve done enough already!

When: You want to write your wrongs.

bOY TOYS

What: South Park pajamas, Teamo, ground floor, shop no 18, Crystal Shoppers Paradise; Linking Road, Bandra (W), call 26489813, Rs 495.

Why: Boys will get slept off their feet with these satirical South Park pajamas that come with Cartman, Kenny, Stan and Kyle face prints. No Mr Garrison and creepy hand puppet trying to initiate pillow talk, thankfully.

When: You want to catch a few winks.

***

What: Pimp Your Sole, Puma Store, Linking Road, Khar (W), call 66430382/66430381, visit the Facebook group here, free event.

Why: Let your inner artist run free at the Puma store this weekend, where you can drop in to design your own shoe sole and maybe even see it featured in the 2011 Spring Collection – what a kick!

When: You want to win the lace. 

***

Event Round-up: DJ Hanna Hansen at Blue Frog on August 13 at 10.30 pm; Garage sale for a cause by Hamara Footpath on August 14 and 15 at Dhoop, call 9819066726; Black v/s White art exhibit at Studio3 Art Gallery, Churchgate until August 15, 10 am onwards.

bpb freebie: Subscribers raise a toast to yum discount on homemade jams by Magick Potions. For this and other cool deals, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bABA GANOUSH

What: Hybrid takeout station, next to Olive Bar and Kitchen, Union Park, Khar (W), call 26050001 / 07 or visit www.hybrid.net.in, home delivery in Bandra and Khar.

Why: bpb scoop – if you’ve had enough of the pizza at Olive, get a piece of the new pie next door. We peeked under the shutters of Hybrid on moving day to learn that the kitchen will dish out hotdogs, shwarma and pizza. Add this to your neighbourhood watch!  bpb review out soon.

When: Slated to open August 7.

pULP

What: Graphic playing cards by Iktaara, call Kanika on 9980801144 or visit the Facebook group here, also available at Soho, Hughes Road, Rs 800 when ordered directly.

Why: Cry owl with these super cool playing cards, stamped with drawings of the grouchy bird dressed in drag, sporting a crown and juggling hearts. Under her design label Iktaara, JJ Institute graduate Kanika Gupta also produces cool diaries and board games, which can be customised if your order is large enough.

When: You want hooters at game night.

***

What:  The Entertainment Design Co, Turner Road, next to Crossword Bookstores, Bandra (W), call 9833003999 for an appointment, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.edc.co.in, price on request.

Why: You are cordially invited to an opulent new Bandra store where Reita Singh designs elaborate party invites for the rich and famous, including Manish Arora’s Paris fashion week pass and Abhishek and Aishwary’s wedding card. Ask to see the engagement notice rolled up like a wedding ring and the faux champagne case. Remember, you must RSVP first!

When: You want to look good on paper.

bUTTER PAPER

What: Just Deliveries, call Mansi on 9769557799, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.justdeliveries.co.in, start at Rs 50 per delivery.

Why: Just Deliveries is our favorite new treat truck, taking sweets from home bakers like Sweet Toot, Sleight of Hand, Goriawala, Truffles, Choc Affaires to the streets. Just give them a call and pick from their stellar line-up of vendors to have your favorite dessert delivered to your doorstep. Savouries are next on their route.

When: You want to make ends treat.

***

What: Book sculptures by Banoo Batliboi, visit www.booksculptures.in, start at Rs 3,000.

Why: Accordions, fans, a merry-go-round straight out of your childhood – Banoo Batliboi turns old, abandoned books into intricate sculptures that resemble all these and more. Say crease!

When: You want to put a new spin(e) on things. 

***

Event Round-up: Indian Ocean at Hard Rock Cafe on August 6 at 8.30 pm; K. G. Subramanyan’s work on display till August 30 at Art Musings gallery, Colaba; and Wines of York tasting at Pali Village Cafe, Bandra on August 8 at 5 pm, for reservations call  982070450.

bpb freebie: Meaty discount on gourmet beef steaks from Chinai’s Kitchen. For this and other cool deals , enter your email in the subscription box.

bLACKBOARD

What: Slate clocks from mCube Design, to order call Neha Mehta on 9833163423, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or log on to www.mcubedesign.com, also available at Tappu ki Dukaan, Fort, Rs 4,000.

Why: Scribble personal messages, reminders and kooky notes by the hour on this adorable blackboard clock that comes with duster and chalk. But bpb suggests you hold out until next week for the even cuter slate vases on which you can spell your heart out.

When: Now, it’s the write time!

***

What: Turning Tables underground kitchen with Group Executive Chef of Salt Water Café and other Impresario restaurants, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a spot, Rs 1,000 this month, BYOB.

Why: Imagine the best of restaurants like Salt Water Café, Tasting Room, del Italia and Smoke House Grill, all concentrated into one dinner party at a subscriber’s pretty home. Throw in the company of 20 cool strangers and a chance to interact with chef extraordinaire Gresham Fernandes, and you’ll have the recipe for a perfect evening! Email us for your seat – plus ones strongly discouraged.

When: Bread and (Salt) Water on August 18, 8.30 pm.

pEWTER

What: Made-to-order summit day jackets, AVI Industries, 13, Shriji Sadan, 352, Chandavarkar Road, Matunga (E), call 24143810 or visit www.aviindustries.com, Rs 3,000.

Why: Because you’ve come so far, it’ll be a pity for you to get cold feet now. Prepare for summit day in mountain climbing jackets by AVI Industries, tailored specifically to your measurements from rain-proof polyester, and warm enough to keep you toasty even at -15 degrees Celsius. Available in black, blue, red and green.

When: You need the help of a trail blazer.

***

What: Charm and stone vintage necklaces by Riddhika Jesrani, call 9820899989, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.riddhika.com, start at Rs 3,000.

Why: Return to the Stone Age with Parsons educated Riddhika’s chunky neck pieces – vintage rocks, lush candy crystals and jasper roses sourced from all over the world, dangling from thick metallic chains. Arty-fact: these flint stones have been sported by stars like Devon Aoki and Rani Mukherji.

When: You need a boulder style.

bASS CAMP

What: The Crazy Stuff Clinic at Furtado & Sons, Jer Mahal, Dhobi Talao, opposite Metro Cinema, call 66225454, free.

Why: These guys really know how to wield a stick. Get a crash course in drummer tricks like grooves and modulations from ace musicians Hamza Kazi and Gino Banks (who’s worked with the likes of Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Ustad Rashid Khan).

When: (H)ear drum today, July 30 at 4:30 pm.

***

Event Round-up: Infected Mushroom at Blue Frog on July 30 at 10.30 pm; Ministry of Sound with DJ Joelle Atkins at Shiro on July 31 at 8.30 pm; and Sunday brunch starts at Tote on the Turf on August 1 at 12:30 pm.

bpb Freebie: Stylish discount on Vineeta Nair’s ArtnLight decoupage boxes, exclusively for subscribers. For this and other cool deals, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box!

bOUDOIR

What: Chicness Is My Weakness personal trunk service, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , pay per purchase.

Why: Imagine opening the door to a trunk full of clothes and accessories from hard-to-find designers (Frock NYC, James Ferreira, Denim Story), especially tailored to your taste by New York stylist and jewelry designer Anita Vaswani. Browse through these while lounging on your bed, laughing at all those suckers out in the rain. What you like, you leave hanging in your closet; the rest you return. It’s (gar)ment to be!

When: You want a flat rate.

***

What: Juben Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, 2nd floor, Shoppers’ Stop, Juhu, call 9867280003 or view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 400 for a bottle.

Why: Our favourite neighbourhood booze store just graduated to a plush, all-white beer and wine cellar where you can try before you buy. Also taste eight new wines every fortnight under the guidance of sommelier Abhas Saxena, and put in suggestions for theme samplings based on country, colour or grape. Jolly good cellar!

When: Tastings begin next week.

pARENTAL ADVISORY

What: Rap 101: Lessons in freestyle rap, call 9890532996 or visit www.mcsid.in, start at Rs 2,000 for basic two-hour course.

Why: bpb Invent! Let rapper M.C. Sid – he opened for Akon in Mumbai – help you pick up hos with your prose. At his basic workshop, you’ll get a lesson in grammar and poetry through Eminem and Jay Z tracks, followed up by practical sessions in freestyle battles, dissing and improv verses. Curses encouraged.

When: You need to develop a new sintax.

bIBLICAL

What: Outpour of tees at Adam + Eve, shop no 5, Ashok Apartments, Union Park, Khar (W), call 26485162, Rs 750.

Why: This Bandra boutique is no Garden of Eden, but it can definitely perform one miracle: turning wine into 100% cotton. Here, super comfy men’s tees printed with robots and army tanks come in pop coloured wine bottles. Holy smock!

When: You want to bless your cart.

***

What: Fresh fruit butter, Moshe’s Cafe, next door to Indigo Deli, Colaba, call 22020934, Rs 95 for 250 gms.

Why: Muffins, biscuits, even your tired old toast – these fruity butters can wake up the most boring breakfast. bpb loves the lemon flavor, but they come in kiwi, apricot and pineapple as well.

When: You want to make the zest of what’s around.

Event Round-Up: First Zara sale (up to 50% off) at Palladium, Lower Parel on until July 31; Ministry of Sound deejay Vikk tonight at Tote on the Turf at 10 pm; and new monsoon menu at Konkan Cafe, Taj President, Cuffe Parade until September 2010.

For ten weeks, score awesome discounts at some of our favourite Mumbai hotspots on The Potluck (www.thepotluck.in). But remember, a deal gets activated only if enough people opt in; so you can play alone, but bring friends and it gets easier!

Potluck Season Finale: 50% off breakfast at Crepe Station, Fort; 10 people required for deal to tip, 65 hours remaining. Your time starts now!

bpb Freebie: Huge discount on personal assistance services by Big Help. For this and more cool deals, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bOTTOMS UP!

What: Dance Essentials, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, call Karene Mody at 9920050210 or visit www.danceessentials.in, Rs 1,050 for a pair of ballet shoes.

Why: Housed in an old crumbling building, hidden behind the walls of an architecture firm exists a small room with big windows, pirouetting ballerinas on the walls and jazz shoes on the shelves. This is Dance Essentials, a secret store where you’ll find a wide range of dance apparel including tights, tutus, legwarmers, gym bags and shoes. 

When: It’s time for curtains up!

***

What: Boozy dates by Date a Chocolate, call 9820113368 or visit www.dateachocolate.in, Rs 200 for eight pieces.

Why:  bpb always recommends getting drunk on a date, especially those as yummy as Vijeta’s. Starting next week, the confectioner will fill safawi and medjoul dates with chocolate and potent shots of alcohol including whisky, tequila and Baileys. Virgin flavours available as well.

When: You want to experience the Khajoor’s Last Sigh.

pLANE

What: Italian leather “buxa” for men by SRZ, call 9810190705, view the catalogue on www.studiosrz.com, Rs 15,500.

Why:  This uber-chic baggage you’ll want to claim almost instantly. From NIFT designer Shahrukh Zaidi’s collection, bpb lugs out a vintage-y attaché case, crafted from tanned Italian vegetable leather with interiors that can be customised depending on your profession. Work it out!

When: You want to be a kit cat.

***

What: Monsoon escape to Wildernest, off Sankhali, Chorla Ghats, North Goa, visit www.wildernest-goa.com, Rs 4000 per couple, per night for a suite. 

Why:  Infinity plunge pool with valley view, garden beer bar, two bulls named Ramu and Shamu: at this secluded jungle estate  perched 800 metres above sea level, you’ll reach the height of fun!

When:  Now, in the Goa monsoon, when all the beach shacks (and hot swimsuits) have folded up for the season.

bEER

What: Bright Buddha coasters by Coyote Silver, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 9833323512, visit the Facebook group here, Rs 450 for a set of six.

Why: Every hour is happy hour with these super fun bar accessories by NID graduate Dipika Vijay, including fuchsia netted placemats, a lingum inspired coaster, mad stirrers and multi-coloured Buddha silhouettes.

When: It’s time to say cheer(s)!

***

Event Round-up: K+G Business Class Refugees ( Israel) at Blue Frog on July 17 and 18 at 10.30 pm;  The Genius of the East at Prithvi Theatre on July 17 at 11 am; Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2010 model auditions at Grand Hyatt, Santacruz (E) on July 21 at 11 am.

For ten weeks, score awesome discounts at some of our favourite Mumbai hotspots on The Potluck (www.thepotluck.in). But remember, a deal gets activated only if enough people opt in; so you can play alone, but bring friends and it gets easier!

Potluck Stage IX: 40% off new face treatment at Kaya Skin Clinic, 10 people required for deal to tip, 65 hours remaining. Your time starts now!

Bpb freebie: Super deal from travelling fashion store Pixie Inc’s weekend exhibition.  For this and other cool discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

Spot the bag: The first fifteen people to spy our trusty bag at Sugar, Colaba get a 15% discount on their purchase this weekend!

bROWSER

What: From blog to burner with Purple Foodie Catering, call 9820995543 or visit www.purplefoodie.com, free delivery from Bandra to Andheri on orders of Rs 500+, start at Rs 20.

Why: Pesto bread rolls, chocolate cinnamon babka, candied ginger, American biscuits, mini pop tarts - after months of ogling all these and more on Shaheen Peerbhai’s kickass food blog, bpb has finally convinced the chef-writer-photographer to start up her own catering service. Oh, goodies!

When: You can’t resist taking bite after byte.

***

What: Wishberry gift registry service, visit wishberry.in, registration free.

Why: Because your friends have no gifting imagination and you really don’t need another striped shirt. This brand new online registry lets you pick presents from their expanding catalogue (rafting trips, foosball tables, Blackberry, clothes from Mango and Promod) or start a fund for your dream purchase for which they’ll send you a cheque. Your friends can buy individually, or gang up to chip in for a single product.

When: You want present perfect.

pROTEIN

What: Chromosome portraits by DNA11, visit dna11.com or call Qadir at 9820337065, starts at approximately Rs 10,000.

Why: Day 1 – Order prototype: canvas, paper or glass. Day 2 - Forensic kit arrives. Use collection swab to gather saliva sample, preserve and ship back. Day 3 – Lock down colour sequence. Day 30 – The easel has landed.

Congratulations! You are now the owner of uber-cool art that proudly displays your superior genetic structure from Canada-based DNA11, recently featured on CSI NY! They work with lip impressions and fingerprints as well.

When: You want to see and be gene.

***

What: Single in the city? Let Big Help organise your life, call 9619484383 or log on to bighelp.in, Rs 5,000 a month.

Why: This service is like a magic lamp with a genie who grants more than three wishes. Designed for people who live alone (or not) in Mumbai, Big Help’s bright aides can find you a roommate, do your groceries, round up the best sales, walk your dog, locate a plumber, score passes to a sold out music gig. (Task) master, your wish is their command.

When: To err(and) is human, to get an assistant, divine.

bUTTON

What: Trunk fashion store, shop no 67-69, Seaview Terrace Building, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, start at Rs 1,500.

Why: At this brand new store, a mighty chandelier sheds light on rarely seen but well worn international brands like English Laundry and Public Library. It also houses a nail spa and  foot-nibbling pedicure fish. Look out for the full bpb review!

When: A trunk call is in order. Opens Saturday, July 10.

***

Event Round-up: Talamasca at Blue Frog on July 9 at 10:30 pm; Thai cooking class with Chef Wat at Four Seasons on July 10 at 3:30 pm; International Comedies  at NCPA on July 10 at 6.30 pm and Docu Tour photography exhibit at Gallery BMB, Fort.

For ten weeks, score awesome discounts at some of our favourite Mumbai hotspots on The Potluck (www.thepotluck.in). But remember, a deal gets activated only if enough people opt in; so you can play alone, but bring friends and it gets easier!

Potluck Stage VII: 50% off on personal yoga lessons with certified Yoga Institute teacher, 10 people required for deal to tip, 65 hours remaining. Your time starts now!

bpb Freebie: Get a sweet deal on Sonali’s homemade fruit and chocolate “cuffins”. For this and other cool discounts, as well as a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bELT

What: Spot The Bag, bpb in collaboration with Creo (Kemps Corner), Sobo (Hughes Road), Attic (Santacruz), Fluke and Dhoop (Bandra).

Why: Be amongst the first fifteen people to spy our beloved brown paper bag at any of the abovementioned stores this weekend, and get a discount (25% at Fluke, 15% everywhere else) on your purchase. For our favourite picks from these stores, as well as dope on the city’s yummiest new products, openings and sales, check out our newly launched (P)leisure Pad: a window shopping slideshow for the pleasure – and leisure – seeker!

When: Discounts last through the weekend.

***

What: Kenjutsu – Samurai sword fighting classes at MP Shah School, Sarojini Road, next to McDonalds, Vile Parle (W), call sensei Mehul Vora on 9820055730 or log on to www.samuraiindia.com, Rs 6,000 for six months.

Why: This Japanese sword fighting class is the closest you’ll come to Killing Bill in Bombay. But before you go blade ballistic, licensed Kenjutsu  instructor Mehul Vora will put your ego, fat arms and work stress on the hit list. Plus, you get to wear hakama pants and everything! Hattori Hanzo would be proud. 

When: You want to take the edge off. Tuesday and Thursday, 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

pLUM

What: Organic jams and fruit preserves by Magick Potions, to order call Roopa Shukla on 9821249789, home delivery from Andheri to Bandra, start at Rs 150 for 300 gms.

Why: Mumbai’s Lady Marmalade crushes organic fruit into delish jams and sells them in adorable glass jars, minus the synthetic gunk. The mango’s a little too sweet, but we love the fig, plum and apple-cinnamon versions. You can even mix and match fruit and spices to customise your flavour: that’ll be two potions of chilli kiwi jam, please.

When: You want a sexy new Jams Bond.

***

What: Hand painted murals by Olive artist, Alison Design Studio, call 9867770878 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 40,000 for an entire wall.

Why: This self-taught artist and her interior designer husband specialise in customised, hand painted walls and furniture, and have brushed over some of the city’s prettiest interiors from private homes to the Mediterranean-inspired walls of Olive Bar and Kitchen, Mahalaxmi.

When: Every party deserves a wallflower.

bRAKE

What: Group ride to Nashik’s Vineyards with the Mocha Bike Association, to register email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 2,000 includes accommodation at Ginger Hotels, breakfast, lunch, cocktail dinner and a visit to Sula vineyards.

Why: It’s time again to feel the breeze in your hair and the grease on your palms. After a long off-the-road hiatus, The Mocha Bike Association is back and ready to zoom off on its first group ride of the season, this one to Nashik. Riders get to stay overnight at Ginger Hotels and visit the Sula vineyards.

When: July 10 and 11, last day to register is July 5.

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Event Round Up: Italian cooking class at Olio, Novotel Juhu on July 7 from 5 to 7pm; LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad play drum n bass at Blue Frog tonight at 10.30 pm; watch Hedda Gabler on July 3 at NCPA on at 7 pm.