bpb freebie: New deal on hand painted sneakers by 7 Degree Burns, exclusively for subscribers. For this and more discounts, along with a FREE weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

 

Also, win free entrance to Blue Frog for Akshai and Yahel’s gig on Saturday, August 8, by sharing your Mumbai secret (bar, shop, street treat).

 

bRUISE

 

What: Mixed Martial Arts Fight Night, 2nd floor, Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi, call 9820112639 for passes and cover charge.

Why: Because a Mixed Martial Arts fight league is making its moves on Mumbai for the first time. At this under-(w)raps event, you can watch ten bouts of India’s best fighters in the ring, while you drink whisky and thank God you got a break from the city’s bars.

When: You want a kickass Saturday night. August 8, 7 to 11 pm.

 

pILSNER

 

What: The BeerMachine, visit www.beermachine.in or call Yesha at 09833879333, Rs. 5,999 onwards.

Why: This compact counter-friendly contraption makes fresh brews in eight different varieties (we like the Golden Lager and Amber Ale). Just add in the beer mix, and develop your very own six pack.

When: You wanna hops to it.

 

***

 

What: Customised psychedelic bar fridge, call artist Rashmi Dogra at 9820450066, Rs 2,800 onwards.

Why: Big-bummed babes, floozy flamingos, souped-up superheroes: Rashmi, whose designs are showcased at some of the city’s best stores (Aza, Ogaan) will jazz up your drab Kelvinator with any motif you want. Add in awesome shot glasses made of ice from Loose Ends, and you’ll have the coolest fridge in town!

When: You want to be a free(ze) spirit.

 

bUCKLE UP

 

What: Handcuffs, feather boas and masks, Pride! Azaad Bazaar Exhibition, 1st floor, Link Corner Mall, KFC Lane, Bandra (W), Rs 350 onwards.

Why: Too racy for their online store, these accessories are bound to spice up your sex life, whichever way you swing.

When: You want a new set of cuff links. Exhibition on August 14 and 15.

 

***

 

What: Maxxis wheel store, Khar, Santacruz and Lamington Road, Call 26051509, Rs 1,000 onwards.

Why: Maxxis’ hot wheels add style to your automobile. If you want to go all out, halt at Vardenchi’s customised bike building chopper shop, and owner Akshai Varde and his team will bring your motorcycle diary to life. Visit www.vardenchi.com.

When: You want rubbers that pleasure your ride.

 

bpb freebie: We’re giving away complimentary tickets to two stand up comedy acts. Gordon Southern from the UK and James Moffett from Australia are performing on August 6-8. For this and more exclusive deals, along with a free weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

 

bEHIND THE SCENES

 

We scout out designers stocked at the city’s most stylish stores, sans the mark-ups.

 

What: Minimalist linen wear, Kishmish Design Studio, Colaba, call 9820031361, Rs 2,500 for a cowl-neck dress.

 

Why: Because their collection of deceptively simple designs in an airy palette of whites, creams and pale blues is like a bit of beach for your closet. You’ll find Kishmish offerings at Melange, Ensemble and more, but these designers also run a secret studio, where they’ll create customised pieces.

 

When: You want to lay it on the line(n).

 

* * *

 

What: Shifts and double-layered dresses from Pink Papaya, call 9820009008 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 1,500 and up.

 

Why: Ashmi Bhansali crumples cotton and takes the length a notch up this season. Her bright pieces are sitting pricey at Oak Tree and Mogra, but at her home they’re less demanding.

 

When: You need some cotton candy.

 

* * *

 

What: Chunky necklaces from Valliyan by Nitya, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 3,000 and up.

 

Why: Supplied to Bombay Electric and Zoya, this accessory designer’s intricate jewelry in beads and fibre can add drama to the drabbest dress. Bead me up, Nitya!

 

When: Your neck is on the line.

 

pRIDE

 

What:IndjaPink Luxury Travel for Gay Men, visit www.indjapink.co.in, price on request.

 

Why: Because after all the 377 hype and hoopla, it’s finally time for a vacation. This travel agency caters exclusively to gay couples, organising group tours and individual trips all over India.

 

When: You want to get off the straight and narrow path.

 

bEAST

 

What: Engraved pet identity tags, Shake Hands, Daulat Shirin Co-Operative Housing Society, 31 D, Shop no. 4, near Colaba Post Office, call 22162869, Rs 150 – 400.

 

Why: Because these adorable brass tags come in circles, hearts and bones, and can be engraved with personal details in a jiffy.

 

When: You want to bell the cat.

bpb freebie: Exclusive deal from Marry Me wedding planners, for bpb members. For this and more deals, along with a free weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

bETTER HALF

 

What: Marry Me wedding consultants, log on to www.marrymeweddings.in or call 9769682323, price on request.

Why: These marriage planners do everything short of driving your get-away car. Besides the essential budgeting and bookings, they’ll also hook you up with a sangeet choreographer, baaraat arrangements and valet for events.

When: You want a well-groomed wedding.

pANT

Registration for the Mumbai Marathon 2010 is now open. We thought we’d give you a leg up.

What: Gourmet Soup and Salad delivery service from Calorie Care, call 65567018, Rs 140 onwards.

Why: Crafted by dieticians and chefs, these yummy but low cal soups and salads are delivered straight to your desk. Also, get free nutrition and training tips on this online group, run by the medical support coordinators for the Mumbai Marathon.

When: You want to reach the thin-ish line.

***

What: Our favorite podcasts: The New Yorker Fiction; Indie Travel; and Bands Under the Radar, free.

Why: The New Yorker podcast is a literary wet dream: Jhumpa Lahiri, Jonathan Franzen, and others narrate short stories by giants like Nabokov and Updike. From journeying across Oaxaca in the time of swine flu to the best iPhone travel apps, the award-winning Indie Travel is guaranteed to fire up your wanderlust. And Bands Under the Radar brings you undiscovered artists who will grow up to be the next Arcade Fire and Coldplay. They accept submissions as well.

When: You want to race against rhyme.

 

bOUND

What: Month-long online story writing workshop, Happy Inkpot, to register call 919820606911 or visit the Facebook group, Rs 1,500.

Why: Bollywood scriptwriter Shubra Chatterjee introduces you to the art of storytelling, helping uncover your writing talent - or lack thereof. And all of this over email! No classroom, no fixed timings, no mucky commute.

When: You don’t want to be a Stranger to Fiction. Workshop begins August 3.

***

What: Fresh stock of jumpsuits, Izzo, Shop No 2, Pankaj building, Ambedkar Road, next to Sarvodaya, Bandra (W), Rs 1,500 onwards.

Why: From an elegant one-shouldered version to brightly coloured cropped onesies, we scouted almost a hundred jumpsuits at this little Bandra boutique. Pair them with high heels and big bangles.

When: You want to pick up the hottest singles in town.

bpb freebie: Exclusive new deal from Tabrez’s home delivery deli service! For this and more freebies, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bIG SHOT

What: bpb brain child — Your life on film, directed by Rohan Sabharwal, visit  rohansabharwal.com, price on request.
Why: Tombs of Egyptian royalty were painted with scenes from their lives - we bring you an updated version. Award-winning filmmaker Rohan Sabharwal who showed at Cannes this year, will script, direct, score and edit your life into a super slick short flick. Read on for other recommendations so cool, you’d want to take them to your tomb.
When: You want the show to go on.

 

pASSAGE

 

What: Cleopatra’s Revival Spa Treatment for women, call 9892452333 for an appointment, Rs 500 onwards.
Why: A magic mixture of saffron, cinnamon and milk, wellness therapist Smita Hirlekar concocted this one just for us. Best part is, she’ll bring her massage table right to your home.
When: You want to come back from the dead.

***

What: Whatshouldireadnext.com book recommendation portal; Putumayo World Music Collection, Candies, Bandra, contact 26424124, Rs 450 onwards.
Why: Type in your favorite novels and this site will give you a dead-on reading list tailored to your taste. Putumayo’s music from places as diverse as Africa, Ireland, Spain and Italy is guaranteed to keep you occupied for a good long while.
When: You need to endure One Hundred Years of Solitude.

bURY

What: Valpolicella Red Wine at Don Giovanni, Atria Mall, Worli, Rs 2,250 per bottle.
Why: This full bodied Italian red comes highly recommended by the gourmands at Don Giovanni. One sip and you’ll know that it has Bacchus’ blessings.
When: You’re going down into the cellar.

***

What: Past life regression sessions, call Dr Rahul Dutta, 9821758177, price on request.
Why: Because this doctor and certified hypnotherapist helps you revisit your past lives, minus the hocus pocus. Come on… we know you’re at least a little curious.
When: To know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve been. 

Bpb freebie: Exclusive new deal from Taxxi and Vitamin K. For this and more freebies, enter your email address in the subscription box.

 

bRING

 

What: Gourmet to Go cloth beer and wine coolers, Indigo Deli, Pheroze Building, Colaba, start at Rs 1,750.

Why: Available in fun retro prints and constructed from foldable thermal fabric, these booze carriers are a great upgrade from your clunky ice box. We also love the tiffin and picnic versions.

When: You don’t want to lose your cool.

 

pOTLUCK

 

What: Freshly brewed beer keg, call 9820046979, Rs 1,300 for 5 litres.

Why: Because you don’t want to spend the morning after clearing broken beer bottles and crushed cans. Give Archan from Kingfisher 48 hours, and he’ll have a convenient keg sent straight from the brewery to a wine store close to your party address.

When: You want to lock your stock in a barrel.

 

***

 

What: Home-cooked Chinese steamed bread and snacks, to order call Lawrence on 26461358, Rs 90 per dozen onwards, home delivery in Bandra and Khar.

Why: Lab tested at the family-run beauty salon, the wontons, spring rolls and dumplings dished out by this Chinese duo are the yummiest and cheapest party snacks around. Try their steamed bread stuffed with Schezwan chicken or paneer.

When: You want to outsource your Chinese goods.

 

bUNS

 

What: Brazilian exercise gear, Panday House, opposite Olive, Union Park, Khar (W), call 9870123456.

Why: After working on celebrities, fitness trainer Deanne Pandey is now whipping gym gear into shape. She stocks hot Brazilian gear for men and women, made out of a fabric that she claims tones your body while you exercise. Also on sale are gym bottles and eco-friendly yoga mats.

When: You want to flex your sex appeal.

 

***

 

What: Beer & Burger Festival, Woodside Inn, Wodehouse Road, Colaba.

Why: For two weeks, your favourite neighbourhood bar goes international, hosting brews such as Hoegaarden, Stella, Leffe, and Asahi. And don’t forget to sample the yummy burgers.

When: July 15 to 31 – lovely days for a Guinness!

 

bpb Freebie: Awesome discount on clothes and accessories for men and women at Attic. For this and more deals, along with a free weekend guide in your inbox every Friday, enter your email in the subscription box.

 

bUBBLE

 

What: Flying Mantas Scuba Dive Training and Travel, visit www.flyingmantas.com or call Neet on 9930932516, Rs 10,000 for SSI certification.

Why: Because these guys conduct your initial training in Mumbai, so that when you get to your scuba destination, you can dive right in. They also organise group and customised diving vacations.

When: You don’t mind a high-pressure holiday. Suit up for their Maldives trip on July 23.

 

***

 

What: Candy-coloured raincoats, Attic, Bir Sagar, 17th Rd, Santacruz (W), Rs. 5,000.

Why: Because even though they’re a little steep, these stylishly cut raincoats in yummy hues are worth splurging on. Plus, our exclusive discount will help ease the pain. We also love the plastic-lined rain handbags with retro Bollywood prints.

When: You want extra protection. Available for your pleasure in red, pink and blue.

 

pARIS

 

What: Personal and corporate wine tasting sessions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or log on to shamita-singha.com, price on request.

Why: Because Kingfisher supermodel and TV anchor Shamita Singha will take you through a sensory, wine-drenched session that’ll leave you light-headed. Did we mention that she’s also a qualified wine trainer from tasting schools in Burgundy and Bordeaux?

When: You need to fulfill those grape expectations.

 

***

 

What: Deli home delivery service, call Tabreez on 9870044199, Rs 375 for a packet of Borsin Cheese.

Why: Because all you have to do is say cheese, and Tabreez will deliver anything from goat to Gouda, Borsin to brie right to your doorstep, at prices lower than the MRP. He also supplies other goodies like pancake mix, caviar, and meat cuts.

When: You want your (live)stock to keep rising.

 

bLINK

 

What: New online Asian photography magazine, log on to Blindboys.org, free access and submission.

Why: From the last surviving theater groups of Gujarat to child soldiers in Sri Lanka, this online magazine curates the best photography from lensmen across Asia, and also accepts submissions.

When: You don’t want your stories to get canned.

 

Bpb freebie: Exclusive deal from Taxxi and Vitamin K. For this and more freebies, enter your email address in the subscription box.

 

bREAK DANCE

 

What: Customised dance footwear by Shah Shoes, call 9892948207 or visit the Facebook group, Rs 1,500 onwards.

Why: From tango to salsa, Jameel will craft you a pair of shoes perfectly tailored for any rhythm.

When: Now, because even though there’s Blood On The Dance Floor, you want to keep the beat alive. R.I.P MJ.

 

***

 

What: Tap dance classes, Arts in Motion, near Peninsula Hotel, Sion (W), call 9820183231, Rs 2,500 for a month.

Why: Because the fancy footwork you’ll pick up here would make Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers sit up and clap.

When: The first ever batch starts in July. Tap tap tap tap tap tap-ah. Tappa-ta-tappa-ta-tappa-ta. Bada-pa. TA-DA!

 

pINT

 

What: Pint bottles of Brut Veuve Cliquot Champagne and Little Devils Ale, Peekay Wines, Crawford Market, Rs 2,350 and Rs 55 respectively.

Why: Small enough to sneak into a tote or jacket pocket, these reduced-size champagne bottles are the new party packs. If you want to go low brow, head over to Da Vinci in Bandra for the Sula Champagne pint (Rs 750), or try the recently launched Little Devils beer.

When: You want to get caught with your pints down.

 

bUD & BOOM

 

What: Blooming flower hair clips, Mudd Salon and Day Spa, Bandstand, Bandra (W), Rs 375.

Why: Because no tango is complete without a flower in your hair.

When: You want a Braid-y Bunch.

 

***

 

What: Radio head tees, Mesh, opposite Hawaiian Shack, Bandra (W), Rs 450.

Why: Funky T-Shirts for men come folded inside toy-sized retro radios that can be later used to hold your gold fish. Or something.

When: You want to broadcast your style… Aaaaannd you’re on!

 

bpb Freebie: Brown Paper Bag turns six months old, which means our exclusive member deal is half off too. Plus, take a discount at Pure Sin this weekend. For this and more freebies, with a free weekly guide, enter your email address in the subscription box.

 

bOYFRIEND

 

What: Better Half rings from Soul of Silver, call Anjali on 9820231799, Rs 2,500.

Why: If you’re always losing the better half you hook up with, send out an SOS for these. Partner silver rings, cut and designed to fit together, put a cool spin on Kumbh Mela reunion lockets.

When: You like it and you wanna put a ring on it.

 

***

 

What: Jaipur print cotton boxers, Anokhi, Metro Motors Lane, Hughes Road and Waterfield Road, Bandra (W), Rs 350.

Why: These boxers sport cute Indian print bugs and flowers, but in macho colours like indigo, maroon and white. For shorts you can wear on the outside, Bombay Electric, Colaba, offers custom-made pairs in cool seersucker, checked and pin-striped fabrics. Ladies, they’ll make you some as well.

When: You want ants on your (half) pants.

 

pINPOINT

 

In keeping with our half-life theme, we decided to find Mumbai’s centre point, which landed up being the international airport. Perfect excuse for a vacation!

 

What: How to Cook a Banana Tree, Alila Manggis Resort, East Bali, visit http://www.alilahotels.com/manggis, rooms start at Rs. 7,000.

Why: Because not only is this plush resort surprisingly well priced and located right on the ocean, it also houses a culinary school where you learn how to whip up Balinese seafood, secret recipes that improve your skin, and our favorite: a one-time only lesson on cooking a banana tree from root to tip.

When: You want to chop (and dice) a tree. Class on June 30.

 

***

 

What: Traditional Thai Yoga Massage, Hyatt Regency, Sahar Airport Road, Rs. 4,000.

Why: If lying still and being doused in oil is not your scene, then this dry massage, which combines yoga postures with simultaneous stimulation of pressure points, is perfect for you.

When: You want to travel East, without going Far.

 

bAKED

 

What: Dual flavour cake, by order only, Deliciae, call Ms. Mahajan at 9322288187, Rs 425 for half a kilo.

Why: Two half cakes - kiwi and chocolate, Baileys and coffee – cozy up in a single dessert, but without intruding into each other’s space. A perfect relationship!

When: You want to put an end to the Black Forest vs. pineapple debate that ensues before any birthday party.

 

bpb Freebie: New discount deal on Bottle Gardens by Green Grower, exclusively for members. For this and more freebies, with a free weekly guide, enter your email address in the subscription box.

 

bIG SCREEN

 

What: Personalised Bollywood Poster Art, Limona Studio, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to order, price varies with size of canvas.

Why: Email the French Limona Studio your photos, along with the classic Hindi film poster you like – you can pick from the many options on their website, or send in your own – and they’ll ship you an oil painting, rendered by old-school Bollywood poster artists.

When: You want to star in movies like Mughal-E-Azam and Julie, even if it’s just on paper (or canvas).

 

***

 

What: Godfather Trilogy screening, Cinemax Versova and Metro Adlabs, Dhobi Talao, Rs 500 for a pass.

Why: Because Don Corleone says that a man who doesn’t spend time with his family is not a real man. Hang with the underworld’s most famous family this Sunday, when The Enlighten Film Society brings Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece to the big screen.

When: Sunday, June 14 and 21 at 10 am.

 

pOEM

 

What: Silver plated fortune cookie-shaped boxes, Gifted Lifestyles, Madhuli Apartments, 1st floor, Shivsagar Estate, Worli, Rs 800.

Why: Because let’s face it: once you’ve read your fortune, you don’t really care about the biscuit. No decider of fate, no blah vanilla taste. Just one smart cookie container for your baubles, cash, or rhymes.

When: You don’t want your fortune to crumble.

 

***

 

What: The Shah of Blah Poetry Service, email Idea Shop at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 250 per Blah.

Why: These two writers can plume odes to your toads, princes, pooches, partners, friends with birthdays, and just about anyone or anything you want to celebrate. We ordered one for a pal, and it was delivered to her house in a whimsical bottle. They also put poems in fortune cookies, stockings and other cool carriers.

When: You want a verse in a purse.

 

bUCK

 

What: Hand embroidered Gara Saris, Ms. Roshan Davar, 117 Malabar Mansion, Colaba, call 66361398, price on request.

Why: Because this month, Mrs. Davar is off-loading her pricey pieces at deep discounts before leaving on a long overseas stint. We particularly love the chiffon saris, which reflect a Chinese Whispers of influences, including traces of the Far East, eclectic Parsi patterns, and contemporary sensibilities.

When: Now, when you’re sick of all the Shimmer-y saris populating Mumbai’s stores.

 

 bpb Freebie: New discount deal on funky Gitana clutch bags at Butter and Accessetra, exclusively for members. For this and more freebies, with a free weekly guide, enter your email address in the subscription box.

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.