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bUILD

What: Adult Piñata, Party Shop, 327 Abdul Rehman Street, next to Bata Shoes, Crawford Market‎, call 23442013, starts at Rs 275.

Why: Give these guys a couple of days and your design of choice, and they’ll build a customised piñata for your next fiesta. Read on for recommendations on goodies you can stuff it with, along with the usual suspects – mini alcohol bottles, flavoured condoms, confetti – that’ll have your friends scrambling like a bunch of kids.

When: At your next house party, when you want to beat that horse to death.

pOUR DOWN

What: Crazy match boxes, Loose Ends, off Linking Road, the lane opposite Shoppers Stop, Bandra (W), Rs 50 for 5.

Why: Because your singles need a quirky match-maker. On these boxes, Delhi-based designer Nikki D superimposes cool graphics with random words like ‘Good Dilli Buoy’, ‘Suhaagraat’ and ‘Lazy Cow’.

When: You need a ‘Good Dilli Buoy’ to light your fire.

***

What: Hand-made soaps with olive oil, Nyassa, Delta House, 18th Road, Khar (W), start at Rs 100.

Why: Loaded with 80% olive oil and available in over 20 scents, these little handmade soaps are perfect for a piñata pour down.

When: You want to turn your soiree into a soap opera. Shop there this weekend for a 30% discount.

***

What: Vodka, Mint and Chocolate Lollipops, Pure Sin, Pil Court, Churchgate, call 22000267 to order, Rs 20 each.

Why: A bpb brainchild, these grown-up lollipops are like Caprioska-candies on a stick. Pure Sin’s still experimenting, but chances are that they could make these for you with other liquors as well.

When: You want to serve some punch drunk love.

bROWSE

What: Fle@Night, Golden Manor Hotel, next to Alfredo’s, Juhu.

Why: This midnight market may not be the place to shop for a new wardrobe, but with vendors like Make-Up Lounge, Paper Cellar Stationary, and Galleria Verdant Bonsai, you’re bound to score some fun piñata stuffers.

When: June 7, 4 pm to 1 am.

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bUM

What: Single and multi-seating LoveSac chairs, sofas and bean bags, call Samir Pancha at 9930291667, prices start at Rs. 4,500.

Why: Just arrived in India, LoveSacs are the Aston Martin of bean bags. Available in different avatars with customised covers, these are very likely the most comfortable surfaces you’ll ever sink into. Remember… you saw it here first!

When: You want to score some Love in the Sac.

***

What: Traditional Indian board games including Bambaram, Vanvas, and Chaupad by Kreeda, order online, Rs 80 onwards.

Why: You want to invite an army of black and white elephants, Ravana and his ten heads, and a twirling top to your next game night.

When: Charades have gotten Dumb, and mind games are Taboo.

pREEN

What: Customised charm bracelets, call Samidha at 9920117773 or Sanjana at 9820603861, Rs. 700 onwards.

Why: When they’re not styling movie stars, these designers string together charms stocked at stores like Butter. But we take you straight to the source, where you can have them create customised bracelets sporting all the things you love – sheep, guitars, cupcakes, and even your fat Persian cat.

When: Your wardrobe needs a shot in the (ch)arm.

***

What: Dial-a-mural by Harshad Patankar, call 996905498, prices depend on materials used.

Why: Patankar’s 3D, whimsical murals - umbrellas, rain boots and clothes lines in sepia tones – are perfect for your vacant walls. Check out his art at www.harshadpatankar.com/murals.html, or describe your vision, and he’ll connect the dots.

When: Your Casa is kinda Blanca.

bLIND

What: MySpace Secret Show featuring MotherJane, Scribe and Black, Bandstand Amphitheatre, Bandra, sign up at www.myspace.com, free for members.

Why: Because this super-popular international franchise has brought U2 to a rooftop, Neil Diamond to coffee shops, and Moby to a neighborhood club. Traditionally, audiences are informed of the gig location, but the performing acts remain a surprise.

When: You want to go on blind dates with Kooks and Killers, and have them end on a high note. Series kicks off tonight, May 29, at 6:30 pm.

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bLAST

What: Corpse Revivers made with Hapsburg Absinthe, available at Peekay Wine Merchants, A Block, 11/13 Sitaram Building, Dr. D.N. Road, near Crawford Market, Rs. 3, 884 for a bottle.

Why: Delicious and just a little dangerous, this cocktail will R.I.P apart your usual drinking line-up. Mix equal parts of gin, Cointreau, lemon juice and Lillet Blanc in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and pour into a martini glass coated with the elusive absinthe (or you can just add it in– a couple of drops is enough, unless you want to fly off to see the Green Fairy!)

When: You want to get a little absinthe minded.

***

What: ASAP – Any Surprise Any Place, call +919810888498 or log on to asap.co.in, Rs 1,200 onwards.

Why: Tie your message to a helicopter’s end / Thumbs Up to the pilot, and say send / And as it buzzes in the bright Mumbai skies, / Your mate will look up and say, “Quel Surprise!”

Besides messenger planes, this quirky surprise service also does champagne in limos, live bands at airports, songs in telegrams, and pretty much anything else you can think up.

When: You want to go from Hallmark to high mark.

pLAY

What: SkyV Aero Modelling Kit, India Hobby Centre, Mayur, Girgaum, next to Chowpatty, call 23823125, Rs. 4,500 including body and engine.

Why: With remote-controlled versions costing a cool Rs. 35,000, these aero models are no child’s play, but they’re just as much fun. Put together this basic version, and see for yourself.

When: You want to take flights of fancy.

bIOLOGY

What: Pocket to life sized hand-painted animal figures, Turquoise, Perry Cross Road, Bandra (W), Rs 900 onwards.

Why: Turquoise is like Noah’s Ark, only less biblical and more bizarre. Crazy cats, fat fish and a flock of Marquez-esque parrots sail out of a Jodhpur workshop and into this store.

When: You want a happy giraffe to join that elephant in your room.

***

What: New dinner menu; and ‘Live Dragon’ by Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale, Blue Frog, Lower Parel, Rs. 500 to enter.

Why: Because you get to watch these seriously talented musicians create an on-the-spot score to Bruce Lee’s movie Enter the Dragon. Also, one bite of the just-introduced French toast with oranges, caramel, chocolate sauce and ice-cream, and you’ll know why this Frog is prince.

When: You want to take a sensory leap. Saturday, May 23, 10:30 pm.

bpb’s Radio Active! Catch the Secret Scouters on Radio One’s (94.3) It’s Tiger Time with Malini from Monday to Thursday between 9 pm – 12 am.

BPB FREEBIE: Girls, if you decide to go a la carte, carry a print out of this blog post to get a glass of wine on the house – but go early, because you’ll have to be among the first twenty bpb subscribers to get there.  

bOMBAY BEST

What: Sake Brunch, Testsuma, next to Radio Club, Colaba, Rs 1,500 for starters, main course and alcohol.

Why: A no-liquor Saturday night (election counting) prompted the peeps at Privé to put together a last minute boozy brunch at their Japanese resto-lounge. The IPL will be screened; Mumbai’s out, but sushi’s still batting strong.

When: This weekend, when the city’s activities have pretty much run dry. May 17, 12 pm to 6 pm.

***

What: Love Travel Guides by Fiona Caulfield, Good Earth outlets or Bombay Electric, Colaba, visit www.lovetravelguides.com, Rs. 1,200.

Why: Because this arty series of hand-made, eco-conscious books gives you a local’s insight into Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. These city guides are no brown paper bag, but they’re perfect for visitors, and make for great gifts.

When: You need a little help finding Love.

pOKER

What: Cuban cigars at Empire Tobacco Company, 319 Prospect Chambers, Opp Thomas Cook, Dr D N Rd, Fort.

Why: These cigars are essential to your rite of passage into Mumbai’s underground poker clubs. Go through Empire Tobacco’s surreptitious stock (they’re not on display, you have to ask for them), and you’ll score the elusive H Uppman’s Corona Majors.

When: Your pocket kings need some suave.

***

What: Oakwood Poker set, Tesoro, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Rs 5,000.

Why: You can’t swing a briefcase of chips in this city without hitting a poker player. If you can find a poker set, that is. After scouting all the usual suspects — we even called bootleggers — we finally found a slick set at Tesoro.

When: You want to get your game on.

bEADY

What: Diana’s recycled jewelry, call 9987354466, Rs 1,000 onwards.

Why: Diana Linda turns old magazine pages into hip papier maché bangles, earrings and necklaces. She retails at super pricey stores like Bombay Electric and Attic, but we bring you a direct line to her, minus the mark ups.

When: You want to see waste turned into wonder.

bASKET

What: Hand-crafted bouquets from The Floral Deli, call 65292050/ 23644258, free delivery in Mumbai.

Why: If you’re still visiting your local phool wallah, you’re a late bloomer. Here, you can order premium, intricate arrangements by floral artists with an eye for detail. The Deli does gorgeous wine and gourmet baskets too.

When: You need a bloomin’ change.

* * *

What: Opera Week, Nature’s Basket, Warden Road, May 11 to May 18, call 235267735 for details.

Why: For one week, Nature’s Basket hosts goodies from Italy, wine and cheese tastings, and cooking demos. Just make sure you don’t turn into the fat lady who sings.

When: Stop by on Monday between 6 pm and 9.30 pm to watch the entertaining chef Andrea Golino cook up a storm.

pOT

What: Jungle Chic, Bonobo, Linking Road, next to KFC, Bandra (W), for limited passes (Rs 500 each) call 9820491790.

Why: A wild safari of cocktails, forest décor, and face paint awaits you, all set to a tribal soundtrack of live saxophone, percussion and trombone performances, as well as sets by DJs Tarun (of Boombaba), Reji (Chill Om Records) and more.

When: On May 9, 6 pm onwards, when you want to shake your tail feathers.

* * *

What: YellowSpiders Pottery Workshop, A - 3/4 Punita Building, SV Road, Kandivali (W), call 9833104000, Rs 2,500.

Why: Because it’s time to get out of the back seat and take the wheel. Neha Ramaiya, potter with over a decade of experience, teaches hand building and wheel techniques.

When: Batches can be joined every Monday onwards, thrice a week, 10 am to 1 pm or 3 pm to 6 pm. Special weekend batches offered as well.

bRANDS

What: Mesh, opposite Hawaiin Shack, Bandra (W), Rs 300 onwards.

Why: Because Mesh manages to stay away from most export surplus store nightmares - messy displays, rude staff and crazy shoppers. Plus, Monsoon, Charlotte Rousse and Zara clothes wear unbelievably cheap price tags.

When: Your anorexic wardrobe needs some fattening up.

bEAM

What: Krsna Mehta’s family portraitures, for an appointment email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 15,000 onwards.

Why: Say “quirky”. After a fun family shoot, designer Krsna Mehta prints the picture on canvas, and paints in kitschy city elements like rickshaws, BEST buses and dabbawallas.

When: You want to frame your family.

* * *

What: The Alchemist, NCPA, Nariman Point, call 66223737, or visit bookmyshow.com.

Why: Director Mahesh Dattani takes India’s favourite signal-to-shelf novel to the stage. Curtains up!

When: May 1, 6.30 pm.

pACKED

What: Made-to-order wedding invite bags, call Ms Geeta at 9004388331, Rs 75 onwards.

Why: When we saw the sea shell packages this crafty designer customised for a Goa wedding, we couldn’t help but wish we were invited. Tell her your marriage theme, and she’ll be brimming over with cool ideas.

When: You’ve already bagged the man of your dreams, and it’s time to seal the deal.

* * *

What: Paper Dosa in a packet, Chheda Dry Fruits, opposite Ruia College, Matunga.

Why: Crunchy dosa strips come conveniently packed in box that you can take to the office. Slightly buttered with a tinge of masala, this seriously addictive snack is just what the doctor ordered for your work-hour munchies.

When: You need to get your papers in order.

bOOT

What: 7 Degree Burns custom-made, hand-painted converse sneakers, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to place your order, Rs 2,500 a pair.

Why: Give the temperamental but talented Vanburn some time, and he’ll art work you a pair of runners that’ll make you want to jump with joy.

When: You need a new sole, mate.

bEYOND

What: Colonial cottages and villas at One Tree Hill point, Matheran, for details call 9820502326, from Rs 1,000 per person.

Why: From hot water and TV to bottled Italian spices, these carefully preserved villas built in 1871 come equipped with everything you need. At this five-acre estate - once owned by Pakistani high commissioner who named it Salmona - you’ll learn how to ride, relax with home-cooked meals and get used to the ubiquitous monkeys.

When: May 1 long weekend. Just remember to vote before you bolt.

* * *

What: Trikaya, Aditya Shagun Mall, 3rd Floor, NDA Pashan Road, Pune. Call 02066750868.

Why: When we visited on opening night, it seemed as though all of Mumbai had migrated to this humongous Pan Asian Pune joint. One bite of the Phanang Curry-rice and we knew exactly why.

When: You don’t mind day-tripping in the quest for a good meal.

pITCH

What: Indian Premiere League Cricket Cupcakes, Sweet Toot, 51 Oceanic, Rajabali Patel Lane, opposite Breach Candy Hospital, call 23510530, Rs 22 per piece.

Why: Because these are the ultimate cricket candy. Bats and balls perch prettily atop moist cupcakes iced with the colour of your favourite IPL team.

When: At your next IPL party. Note: Sweet Toot is not responsible for what might happen when crazy cricket fans get hopped up on sugar.

bORDER

What: Basecamp travel store, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Rs 50 onwards.

Why: Because you’re hitting the road, and there isn’t a restaurant or bathroom in sight.

When: Touch base here before you check out of the city, and tick maglites, backbacks, and even disposable underwear off your list.

* * *

What: Sabyasachi(ish) borders, Boiwada 3 and Kabutarkhana, Bhuleshwar, Rs 25 per yard onwards. (You may have to ask for directions)!

Why: Even as superdesigner (yes, it’s a word!) Sabyasachi unveils his summer collection at Aza, those looking to skirt exorbitant fashion buys should foray through the bustling lanes of Bhuleshwar where sari borders strikingly similar to the Bong’s trademark ones await.

When: You want to go the whole nine yards (or less).

bRAND SPANKING NEW

What: Café Mangii, 14th Road, off linking Road, Khar (W).

Why: Red. White. Golden.

It's easy to lose yourself in the wine and vibe at this Italian restaurant, which is barely two days olden. The wood-fired pizza, Champagne Risotto, and Mango Cheesecake are hard to resist. All-day dining with burgers and more coffees will soon be on the list.

When: You feel like singing for your supper. Or about it.

* * *

What: Moveable Feast catering service, call 23545454, Rs 300 (per person) onwards.

Why: The good cooks at Indigo restaurant have decided to help civilize our kitchens. Whether you are hosting for 10 a la maison, or 100 at your Alibaug holiday villa, they’ll whip up fancy treats, all the while making sure your centre piece flowers are blooming.

When: You want to play house, with help.

pOTS AND PANS

What: Topli Ma Paneer or Paneer in a Basket, sold out of a Parsi home at Colaba. For orders call 22833567, Rs 15 per piece.

Why: Whether it’s herbed and made to lie on a bed of fresh iceberg lettuce, or told to wait until the end of the meal for dessert, this traditional paneer is as versatile as it is delicious.

When: You want your summer to be a white one.

* * *

What: The Health Awareness Centre Nutritional Program, Call 24361672 for scheduling and other details, Rs. 3,000 for a 9 week course.

Why: Because nutritionist Dr. Vijaya Venkat and her equally talented daughter spill their deepest, darkest secrets, helping you switch over to radically healthier lifestyles. They also dish out lessons on how to cook yummy meals without using oil, dairy, and refined or processed products, as well as daily dabba services.

When: Now. It’s not like you’re getting any younger.

bEVERAGE BEAT

What: Monkey’s Pick Green Tea, Atrium Lounge, Taj Land’s End, Bandstand, Bandra (W), Rs 250.

Why: Legend has it that primates trained by Buddhist monks climb inaccessible mountains to pick the tea leaves that make this herbal infused beverage. One sip of this chic-complex drink, and you know that its chefs are not monkeying around.

When: You want to drink your greens.

bUNNY

What: Hip Dining Bowl, Shiro, Bombay Dyeing Compound, Worli, Rs 450.

Why: Take humongous heap of Japanese rice/noodles in bowl. Top with spicy tofu/chicken. Hold in hand. Eat. Dance. Eat. Dance.

When: You want to eat between the beats. And if you want the Japanese jaunt to continue, head on over to Wink, President Hotel, Cuffe Parade for their brand new Saketinis until April 19.

* * *

What: Brioche Nest with Raisins, The Gourmet Shoppe, Oberoi Shopping Arcade, Nariman Point, Rs 325.

Why: Your Easter chick will be tres chic in this gourmet brioche nest filled with raisins and almonds.

When: Available until April 12.

pORN

What: Isabella Rossellini’s Green Porno 2 series on www.sundancechannel.com/greenporno.

Why: After doing bugs, daughter of actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini is back with round two of her eco shorts that showcase the reproductive habits of marine animals, eggs and all.

When: You want to do it like they do on the Discovery Channel. Started April 1.

bABY

What: Specially curated collection of handicraft infant products, Dhoop, Sheetal Apts, corner of Union Park and Ambedkar Road, Khar (W).

Why: Indian block print bassinettes, drive-away-mosquito citronella lamps and baby slings, we found./Pillows filled with mustard seeds will make your baby’s head round. /Tribal craft kits and puppets lie somewhere beneath the toy mound.

When: April 14 onwards until storks last!

* * *

What: Wooden, hand painted animal-shaped staplers, Vividha, Warden Road and Khar, Rs 99.

Why: Bright, comical mice, lions and dogs help you tack a tough work day together, and keep a dull one from coming apart.

When: You need some desk candy.

bEST PICKS

What: Book Collector’s Festival, Indus – the Bookstore, Grand Hyatt, Kalina.

Why: Rare, limited edition and personally autographed books will be on display. Even if you can’t drop a cool Rs 10,000 to a lakh for a book, a round of this ‘museum’ will be worth your time.

When: April 4 to 15.

***

What: Solid coloured pumps and custom designed shoes, street store in tiny lane opposite Globus, next to Le Bijou, Hill Road, Bandra (W), Rs 300 onwards.

Why: Bright coloured pumps, peep toes and wedges startle the air at this non-descript street store. If he’s in a good mood, ‘Musalman Uncle’ will also copy a design for you out of a magazine. But be prepared for it to get mass produced after.

When: You need your weekend fix of faux fashion. For more high-end, but equally psychedelic pieces, hit Fish Fry's 4-day stock clearance sale (up to 50% off) at Courtyard, Colaba, till April 4.

pEPAL TREE

What: Indipepal.com, a new site that combines social networking, expert blogs and content.

Why: Because former UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor, award winning economist Jagdish Bhagwati, Rajya Sabha MP Arun Shourie, self-help guru Robin Sharma and others have grabbed a spot in the shade of this pepal tree. Sign up, read their blogs, and much more.

When: You want to social network through the green route.

***

What: Gardening class and demo at Green Grower Garden Centre, next to Bandra Talav, Bandra (W), call 26427094 for details.

Why: Horticulturist Anusha Babbar wants to make you “say trees”. In this class, she will dig into topics like bonsai demo, kitchen and vegetable gardening and maintaining gardens by the sea.

When: You want to get your hands dirty on Saturday, April 4.

bREAKFAST

What: Couscous Upma, Basilico Café, Colaba and Bandra (W), Rs 120.

Why: Available under all-day breakfast dining, Bascilico puts a Moroccan spin on the humble upma. Oh, and the coffee’s great too!

When: You need to flush out a night of partying with fusion food.