Festive discount from Gaia Home Chef catering service, exclusively for bpb subscribers. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bAMBOLIM

What: Cafe by the Beach, near Mafatlal Club, Seashore Beach, Girgaum, Chowpatty, Rs 1,800 for a meal for two.

Why: Launched yesterday at our favourite ocean front property, Cafe By The Beach is a geriatric version of its predecessor Salt Water Grill, with no alcohol on the menu and strict dietary restrictions (they can’t serve cooked food, leaving you with a choice of mostly sandwiches and wraps). bpb loved prosciutto-brie sandwiches, sand beneath our feet and the gorgeous view. Read the full review here.

When: Surf excels everyday from noon to midnight.

pENTECOST

What: bpb’s Three Wise Men project, email your holiday queries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , free.  

Why: Ask in the glory of bpb’s Three Wise Men, a Christmas panel featuring Conrad D’souza (head chef at Pali Village Cafe), Rick Roy (film and fashion stylist) and Aneesh Bhasin (award-winning travel photographer). Email in your holiday-related food, fashion and travel queries, and we'll get them to write you back. Swear on the bible! bpb’s asking: What's the sexiest eggnog recipe? Where can I find elfin shoes? What’s the best weekend getaway for my boyfriend and mistletoe?

When: Until the end of this year - time and yuletide wait for no man.

***

What: Fabulous soirees by Groovy Two Shoes, visit www.groovytwoshoes.com or call 9820190997, start at Rs 15,000 for a party of two.

Why: Golden cages and vintage Polaroid shots, rosemary-chocolate popcorn and even a wishing tree: party-supers Yashika Punjabi and Pragnya Rao can source all of these and more for your next soiree. Graphic and interior designers by training (Pragnya writes for Elle Décor and Architectural Digest), they are the brains behind Groovy Two Shoes, an event management company that works with different vendors on everything from invites and décor to location, food and ambience.

When: You want a clue for your do.

bRUSH

What: Make your own porn painting with Love Is Art, buy online at www.loveisartkit.com, approximately Rs 3,100 plus shipping.

Why: Because an MMS clip is so last year. Taint (and paint) your reputation with this nifty little kit instead, which allows you and your significant other to roll around a canvas covered in paint to create your very own “intimate” piece of art. Kit comes with washable, non-toxic paint, cotton, non-allergenic white canvas, protective plastic sheets, disposable slippers and even a body scrubber. Just because you’re dirty!

When: You want a well-hung memento.

***

What: Anselm Reyle at Galerie Isa, 132, Great Western Building, first floor, opposite Lion Gate Clock Tower, Fort, call 66373432 or visit www.galerieisa.com.

Why: bpb gets a sneak peek at this new 2,000 square foot contemporary art gallery where German artist Anslem Reyle is showing for the first time in India. Made from yards and yards of discarded foil, unbalanced hearts and melting tea cups, this exhibit reminds us of the end of Christmas. Read the full review here.

When: Slated to launch on Saturday, December 16.

bpb Freebie: Hot deal on icy treats at Aloha, Bandra. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bEIJING

What: Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, call 26448888, Rs 2,000 per person with one cocktail.
Why: Yauatcha has porked you! Accept a friend request from this new sun-drenched “dim sum tea house” and bar at BKC that’s perfect to celebrate a good work Monday at, or visit on a promising second date. On offer are yum cocktails, splendid double cooked pork belly, as hot and sour soup worthy of an E M Forster description.  End with the raspberry chocolate mousse. Read the full review here.
When: You want a new China House.

***

What: Hard-to-find beer pints and kegs at Kashmir Wines and Beers, shop no. 10, Corner View, 33rd Road, next to Marc Cain, Bandra (W), call 66939886 or view the Facebook group here, Rs 600 for Chimay pint.
Why: bpb wishes to pint out that you can browse artisan beer, hard-to-find ales and fruit-flavoured brews from around the world at Kashmir Wines and Beers. So poush!  In our cart: Chimay Blue, East India Ale, Victoria Bitter, Jenlain, Erdinger (served at Oktoberfest), cherry flavoured Liefmans and a super fun 5 litre metallic keg filled with Sagres draught beer from Portugal. Who wants to get draughted now?
When: You want to have two Leffe feet.

pARAPHRASE

What: Necklaces out of a story book by Paprika, sold out of a home in Kemps Corner, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make an appointment, start at Rs 3,500.
Why: Paper-masher Banoo Batliboi cuts, rolls and seals pages from books into beads, adding them to crystals, stones and silver to make pretty and durable necklaces – talk about spinning a tale! See especially her Small World Necklace made out of an old atlas; Artist Series collection made from prints of famous art works; and our favourite, a Tin Tin string crafted out of the comic.
When: You want a garland of (p)roses.

***

What: Hayavadana at K.R. Cama Auditorium, Kala Ghoda, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it call 9820745916 for passes, Rs 250.
Why: Written by Girish Karnad, directed by Arghya Lahiri and Pushan Kriplani and adapted from an ancient folk tale, this play is about husbands, horses and husbands blessed with the anatomy of horses (think: head). Interested? Click on this video for further stimulation.
When: Opens December 9 at 7 pm. Find the full schedule here.

bRIGHT

What: Disco ball print top at the Manish Arora store, Atria Mall, Worli, Rs 3,000.
Why: Discovering that there’s a Manish Arora store hidden in one of the back alleys of the languishing Atria Mall, made this flaming orange disco ball print top (also on leggings and dress) seem even shinier! We suggest you wear it during the holidays to earn your rightful spot at the top of the Christmas tree.
When: You want to visit a disco-operative bank.

bAKE

What: Smoke House Deli, shop no C-90G, High Street Phoenix compound, 462, Lower Parel, call 65619618 / 9619863248 for a reservation, Rs 1,200 per person without alcohol.

Why: Easel your way into Smoke House Deli this weekend and you’ll find sketched walls, bright red chairs and snow-white chandeliers. Riyaaz Amlani’s (the man behind Salt Water Cafe and Mocha) latest Mumbai offering, this deli serves all-day breakfast, cold sandwiches, burgers, entrees, coolers and take-home marinated meats. On bpb’s palette: scrambled egg croissant, house tenderloin and basil-cucumber-lavender lemonade. Read the full review here.

When: You want to love me tenderloin. Opens at 7 pm, breakfast and lunch starts next week.

***

What: Bianca Sun Hat and other shady items at www.3closets.com, call (080)26487705 or order online, shipping takes about two weeks, Rs 1,750.

Why: Illustrated with shoes that hang from peach trees and multi-plumed hummingbirds, the user interface of this new fashion e-store immediately puts you in the mood to shop – a site to see! Although they’re still stocking up, we heart their collection of accessories, including super cute hats in juicy orange and periwinkle blue, perfect for the upcoming derby season. Accessorise with a white mare.

When: You want to be under your bonnet.

pARTY

What: Gaia Home Chef catering service, call Shilarna on 9820036525 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , starts at Rs 800 per head.

Why: Goa’s loss is our grain, as Ashwem restaurant Gaia morphs into a catering service in Mumbai. Started by Shilarna (Le Cordon Bleu chef and owner of Ninja Sushi) and Christophe, Gaia’s menu features morel mushrooms, melon gazpacho, mini cheese burgers and Shilarna’s risotto version of her grandma’s Maharashtrian prawn khichdi. They cater to parties of 10 to 30, and bring crockery and bartenders if required.

When: Now because they cater to your every Ash-whim.

***

What: Say It With, Atria Mall, unit number 153, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, call 9820726388, price on request.

Why: Giant cocktail glasses and candy-coloured boxes, sea-blue candle stands and a crystal chandelier all vie for space at this new(ish) shoebox-sized store, where you can’t actually buy anything. What you can do, however, is pick from the display or order customised gift-wrap and stationery for your upcoming bachelorette, baby shower or lunch soiree, and they’ll tailor the order exactly to your needs.

When: You want a part-y time job.

bOX OFFICE

What: Pan’s Labyrinth at Cinemax Versova, visit www.enlighten.co.in to register, Rs 1,985 for a yearly membership.

Why: Nominated for six Academy Awards and one of bpb’s favourite movies ever, this creepy-cool, visually spectacular Guillermo del Toro movie is best seen on a big screen. So if you missed it the first time around be sure to catch the replay this weekend, organised by the good folk at Enlighten Film Society. This month’s line up also includes Beauty and the Beast, Ground Hog Day and 2046.

When: Sunday, December 4 at noon.

bpb freebie: Cool discount on dips, marinades and other goodies from the Cold Food Company, exclusively for bpb subscribers. For this and other awesome deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box!

bpb Contest: We’re giving away five chocolate-dipped fruit boxes from Edible Arrangements. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11.30 am today (Friday, November 25) to know more.

bANDRA

What: Kepchaki Momo Cart, Gagangiri Building, outside Tattoo Star, off Carter Road, Bandra (W), Rs 60 for a plate of vegetarian momos.
Why: A new food cart in Bandra is letting off some steam! Supposedly run by a former Mainland China chef, these wheels vend yum momos (don’t let them sit in your kitchen for too long) filled with chicken or veggies and served with tangy garlic sauce. Good enough to Tibet your money on!
When: Cart blanch from 6 pm to 11 pm.

pOSH

What: Driver etiquette classes at the Institute of Chauffeur Services (IOCS), Gitaneel Arcade, shop number 19, 44 Hill Road, Bandra (W), call 26412070 or visit www.instituteofchauffeurservices.com, Rs 5,400 for a twelve hour module and “brush-up” classes for a year.
Why: A training school for drivers? Are you skidding me? This training camp not only teaches your road runner proper chauffeur etiquette (punctuality, greetings, opening of doors) but also grooms him away from funny smells like body odor, cigarette smoke, etc. For an extra fee, equipment such as uniforms, caps and a folding chair are provided as well. They also help recruit drivers, and send them to you fully trained.
When: You want a dealer for your wheeler. Next module in the last week of November.

***

What: The Pilates And Altitude Training Studio, 301-304, Business Plaza, Gazdar Bandh Road, opposite Dhan Potohar Sports Ground, Santacruz (W), call 9821154492/ 9987511511, Rs 5,900 for eight classes.
Why: Tired of being an ab rat? Withdraw from strange fitness experiments and sign your tummy up for definitive results at The Pilates Studio, co-owned by celebrity trainer Samir Purohit and Rajasthan Royals physiotherapist John Gloster. Here, group classes and one-on-one sessions take place at a studio that is small but bright, clean and offers some A-list sightings.
When: You want to be the crunch-back of Notre Dame.

***

bON!

What: Cocolicious cupcake store, ground floor, 16th Road, next to Shiv Sagar, Bandra (W), Rs 50 per cupcake.
Why: Another Bandra cupcake place, and this one has candy-striped walls, three-tiered cake stands and a dark chocolate cupcake worth every one of its calories. Also try the blueberry version (don’t get the Oreo). Next up: chocolate domes, cheesecake, even sandwiches. Read the full bpb review here.
When: The frost(ing) arrived just last week.

***

What: The Collective women’s wear and accessory sale, Palladium mall, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, up to 70% off.
Why: At the last Collective sale, we scored True Religion jeans, Kenneth Cole cardigans and a mad pretty Alice and Olivia sequin dress at a steal. This time around featured brands include Moschino Cheap and Chic, Juicy Couture and Vivienne Westwood. Need we say more?
When: Cut-offs on Saturday, November 26 from 11 am to 9 pm.

bpb freebie: Sweet discount on tea and fondant cakes. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email in the subscription box. 

bACON

What: Cold Food Company, visit the Facebook group here or call 9820536252 to order, pick-up from a Worli house, Rs 260 for 200 ml of honey sesame salad dressing.
Why: Yakuta Sarkari is one cold 'wich, who brews up a range of condiments (marinades, dressings and dips), salads and cold entrees, all of which she caters through her new(ish) food venture. bpb tried and enjoyed intensely creamy asparagus and cheese mousse as well as honey sesame dressing that magically jazzed up our boring spinach salad. Perfect for your festive soiree!
When: You want all things ice.

pLACE

What: Nakashi, Gazdar Apartments, Juhu Tara Road, near JW Marriott, Vile Parle, call 26152140, start at Rs 750.
Why:  With marble benches, clusters of white flowers and ornate grills that look like they’ve been embroidered by karigars, this new Lucknowi store’s space is prettier than its stock. That’s not to say we didn’t find ourselves some lovelies – nude Benarasi chiffon and yellow Maheshwari cotton kurtas. The collection for men is small, but they have bales of fabric and tailor to size.
When:  You need a new conversation thread.

***

What: The Irish House, High Street Phoenix, next to California Pizza Kitchen, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Rs 165 for a Kingfisher Blue, cocktails start at Rs  300.
Why: A cold Murphy’s beer, gratifyingly greasy fish and chips and the game playing on multiple screens: The brand new Irish House has all the hallmarks of a good Irish pub. Just stay away from the dried-out nachos and prepare for spotty service. Read the full bpb review here.
When: Opened earlier this week.

bILLS

What: Chachii.com chore completion service, call 7738131051, budget depends on task.
Why: This new service gets a sari-clad, fat-hipped fictional Chachii to run around the city completing your chores. Submit a task on the website (still in beta testing) or via SMS – pick up movie tickets, do groceries, clean room, repair leak, deliver flowers – along with a time line and budget and they will match your request with a vendor in their network. Chalees chore!
When: You have an aunt who can’t.

***

What: Floral bags by JoyStreet, to order call 9892096656, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or view the Facebook group here, start at Rs 1,200, introductory 10% off and free home delivery in three weeks.
Why: NIFT educated accessory designer Sudhir Arora plucks the darling buds of May and plants them in rows on faux leather bags coloured in red, army green and deep blue. Hannibal nectar! His sister Bhavya is in charge of marketing these, aims to have them in stores by end of year and is dreaming up a men’s collection as we speak.
When: You’re interested in stem cell research.  

***

bpb Freebie: Mention that you’re a subscriber and get 15% off all heritage walks by the Inheritage Project until November 24. Exclusively for bpb!

bpb Contest: bpb’s giving away 10 passes to NH7 Weekender. Check our Twitter feed (@bpbmumbai) at 11 am today (Friday, November 11) to know more.

bELLY

What: bpb and The Four Season's Japanese cooking class at San-Qi, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Worli, to book a spot email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , only 20 seats available, Rs 1,500 per head.

Why: Drum roll for chef Kato Toshikazu, sushi roll for you. Sign up for bpb and The Four Season’s hands on Japanese cooking class where you’ll learn how to make nigiri, hosomaki and uramaki (types of sushi) along with yum agedashi tofu and chicken karaage.

When: Irrashaimase! On Saturday, November 26, two batches – from 11 am to 1 pm and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

***

What: Dark chocolate dipped oranges at Edible Arrangements, 5/6 Marine End, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, call 66946777 or visit www.ediblearrangements.in, Rs 100  per piece.

Why: US-based chain Edible Arrangements has finally opened in Juhu and the fruit of their labour comes dipped in chocolate. Here you’ll find cocoa covered dates and strawberries, balls of apple rolled in cinnamon and our favourite, orange segments dipped in dark chocolate. Available as lollipops or in gift boxes, these are much nicer than the bizarre fruit bouquets that Edible Arrangements is better known for.

When: You want to put your nose to the rind-stone.

***

pLASTIC

What: Recycled picnic and “dabbawala” bags by Pink Brown Copper, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Facebook group here, start at Rs 750 for a woven plastic bag.

Why: Former “upcyclist” Nitya Amarnath along with marketing professional Nisha Castelino scour waste from textile factories to create these super cool picnic bags, painstakingly finished (a plastic bag takes fifteen days to weave) and in pop hues like cherry red and lemon yellow. We particularly like the psychedelic versions, perfect for a Goa rave or an afternoon of shopping. They do quilted cloth versions as well.

When: You want to be an eager weaver.

bALLGOWN

What: Fondant cakes, to order call 9820350896, pick up from Four Bungalows, Versova, Rs 2,000 for 2 kilos.

Why: Sure it’s a party, but it’s really indecent of your cake to just show up in its birthday suit. Call cake couturier Rinia Maulik who dresses naked tea cakes (the chocolate-butterscotch is yum) in fondant covers decked with edible flowers, butterflies and delicate lace. There’s no fancy degree, but Rina’s studied under the steady hand of Mr Fabian, a gentleman in Bandra who bakes for Catholic weddings. Christmas and kiddie cakes available too.

When: Dress is more.

***

What: Bibhu Mohapatra at Le Mill, by appointment only, call 23742415, 17-25 Nandlal Jani Road, next to new railway bridge, Wadi Bunder, price on request.

Why: The Orissa-born designer who took New York by storm (he’s dressed the likes of Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett and Sienna Miller) returns to the motherland this week, with a trunk show at the lovely Le Mill. He’ll be showing a good chunk of his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, as well as favorites from older lines. You can pick your outfit, and Mohapatra will have a new piece made to your measurements and shipped in from New York. Fancy that?

When: All day today, Friday, November 11.

***

bpb Freebie: Landmark discount on heritage walks conducted by the Inheritage Project. For this and other cool deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email in the subscription box.

bRAND NEW

What: Le Monde, opposite Penne, AB Nair Road, Juhu Post Office, Juhu, call 26207788 / 9820737427.

Why: The name is Monde. Le Monde. Juhu’s new resto-bar opens tonight with a license to grill – expect a whole bunch of barbeque and roast meats on their Mediterranean menu – as well as  sangria, lamb chops, house music and a funky roof that owner Ankit Anand describers as the highlight of the space. Look out for the full bpb review!

When: Opens tonight, November 4 at 7 pm for dinner and drinks only. Lunch to start next week.

***

What: Asana, new online task manager by Facebook’s co-founder, visit www.asana.com to register, free for groups up to 30 people.

Why: Founded by Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and after almost a year in private beta testing, Asana is finally out for public consumption! Essentially a to-do list meets Facebook (it offers many of the same features and also a similar colour scheme), this online platform allows you to plan your wedding, co-ordinate a bachelorette or organise your workplace. Sporting a clean interface and super intuitive to use, here you can create tasks, comment, build priority lists and add people to 'follow' your projects.

When: You want to take your team to task.

pETTICOAT

What: Sabi, ground floor, Neptune building, Pali Hill, Bandra (W), call 31924744, start at Rs 2,000.

Why: Unable to find a space between “Bangokok clothes that disintegrate and Rs 15,000 dresses”, Papia Roy (ex-Barefoot) decided to start Sabi, her own fashion store for women. On the racks you’ll find pretty salmon pink linen pants and camouflage chiffon dresses, but also some not-so-nice sheaths with big shiny brooches. Pro: Their clothes aren’t just for skinny women. Con: There are multiple pieces of each design.

When: You need a clean sheath.

bRUSH

What: Refurbish your old records at Nova, 3 Fairlands, 314 LJ Road, near Sitladevi Road Junction, Mahim (W), call 9820284641, Rs 60 per record, including a new inner sleeve.

Why: Sushil Anand is Mumbai’s vinyl super hero: he not only collects, curates and promotes records, he now wants to save them as well. At his spanking new store in Mahim, Sushil stocks music, turntables and also his German-made secret weapon – a Clear Audio machine and liquid concentrate which in six minutes can restore your dad’s old records to their former audio glory.

When: You want a new disc man.

***

What: Fashion Face at Gallery BMB, Queen’s Mansion, G.T. Marg, Fort, call 6171 5757 or visit www.gallerybmb.com, entry free.

Why: When was the last time you saw an image that had not been Photoshopped? If it takes you more than a minute to answer, you need to check out Robyn Beeche’s fashion images at Gallery BMB, which are even more psychedelic and gorgeous when you consider that they were constructed in the pre-digitalised 1980s. If you’re lucky you might even catch Beeche, who’s lived in London, Sydney and now Vrindavan, in the flesh and convince her to divulge some of her tricks.

When: Opens this weekend; talk with artist from 4 to 5 pm on Saturday, November 5.

bpb Freebie: Subscribers get super discount on Luxury Limo’s car rentals. For this and other awesome deals, as well as free updates in your inbox, enter your email in the subscription box.

bEER

What: The Big Nasty bar and diner, 2nd floor, above Shatranj, Union Park, Khar (W), call Sabir on 9821524563.

Why: In spite(ful) of the jinx that this space comes with, we hope that The Big Nasty becomes a Bandra hotspot. Featuring diner-like interiors and juicy burgers in the day, this new eatery will morph into a bar after sunset. Located on the second floor, we hear that they’ve even put up a ‘no kids allowed post 7 pm’ sign. Growing up?  Look out for the full review!

When: Opens Monday, October 24.

pRESENT

What: From India With Love beeswax candles by Forty Red Bangles, buy online at www.fortyredbangles.com, Rs 1,000 for a set for four.

Why: Not only do these candles smell super they also wax eloquent, urging you to get “mogra high in Mumbai” or “sand me to Jaipur”. Inspired by four cities – Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Mumbai and Jaipur - these are encased in pretty individual boxes, manufactured by Crawford Market Candles and feature mad pairing of scents like black pepper mixed in with grapefruit and mandarin, coriander and champa.

When: You want a wick-ed flame.

***

What: Mumbai Comic Con, World Trade Center, Cuffe Parade, call 9810920020 or visit comicconindia.com/Express for details, free entry.

Why: It’s time to wear your underwear over your pants again – Comic Con Express is in Mumbai this weekend! You’ll truly need superhero speed to run through all the attractions here: publishing houses (see Pop Culture Publishing), graphic novels, video games, fun tees and dress-up contests. They’ll also launch over 12 books including Tere Bin Laden director Abhishek Sharma’s Monkey Man comic and cartoonist Mario Miranda’s 1951. While Ra.One merchandise will try to hog the limelight, Farhan Akhtar’s unveiling of the Don 2 comic book has been cancelled (imagine our distress!).

When:  Comic stand up on October 22 and 23, 11 am to 8 pm.

bILL

What: Game Over pre-mixed booze bottles at Wtf!,  3rd Road, Khar (W) and Seven Bungalows, Versova,  Rs 200 for 300 ml.

Why: When you spot the Ms Pac-Man picture and a ‘Game Over’ sign at Wtf!, it means it’s time to go home. But the party isn’t over yet. Recently, the bar started selling pre-mixed party packs with Old Monk rum and Coke; Blender’s Pride whisky and soda; and Smirnoff vodka and Sprite for you to take out at closing time. The Ms Pac-Man label on these bottles gives us a special kick.

When: When you want to get the (Old) Monk in your Ferrari.

***

What: Toddler clothes by Little Pixie, exhibit at White Peacock, no. 10, Link Corner, off Linking Road, Bandra (W), call 9920082065, start at Rs 700 for a t-shirt.

Why: Shannon Frandsen started Little Pixie because her toddler daughter refused to wear pants. “All she wanted were tutus, and I couldn’t find them at a reasonable price anywhere in Mumbai,” she explains. So she decided to make some herself, teaming up with designer Nishita Pocrani to create dresses, skirts and bags for kids between the ages of 1 – 4 years, all of  which she’s displaying this weekend. She takes custom orders as well. Top honours for this infantry!

When: Saturday, October 22 from11.30 am to 9 pm.

bpb Freebie: Super discount on all designer clothes and accessories at online fashion boutique First Row. For this and other awesome deals, as well as free updates in your inbox, enter your email in the subscription box.

bpb Contest: bpb’s giving away five couple dinners worth  Rs 2,000 each at Opa, Juhu. Write in to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for yours. First come, first serve.

bOOKWORM

What: bpb Tuitions video lessons from hot celebrities, view here.

Why: How do you open a champagne bottle? Or change a flat? The secrets to these and life’s other important lessons are revealed in our new video series, where experts from all walks of life teach you vital tasks in two minutes or less. We kick off with: Mad O Wot founder Sapna Bhavnani, who shows you how to cut your own fringe; and Bollywood hunk Arunoday Singh demonstrating a perfect push-up.

When: Now, because you’re not too cool for school.

pISA

What: bpb’s Turning Tables with Chef Conrad D’souza from Pali Village Cafe, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book a spot, no plus ones allowed, Rs 1,200 this month, BYOB.

Why: It takes a Village to raise our spirits as chef Connie from Pali Village Cafe comes on board to do bpb’s next underground kitchen. He’ll cook up yum Italian treats at a subscriber’s home, while you and 19 strangers eat, drink, chat and hound the chef for kitchen secrets. Read more on the event here.

When: Hamlet and cheese on Monday, October 31 at 8.30 pm.

***

What: Blow Out Sale by The Collective at Yashab/Casbah, above Khyber, next to Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, view the Facebook group here.

Why:  For no apparel reason, luxury fashion store The Collective is hosting a massive sale for men and women, with up to 70% off on brands like Armani, Versace, True Religion, Vivienne Westwood, DVF, Michael Kors and more. Enjoy!

When: Build a brand identity on October 14 and 15, 11 am to 7 pm.

bIRTHDAYS

What: Pear and walnut cake by Reshma and Kapil Sanghi, pick up from Kitab Khana at Fort or Mehrina building, Malabar Hill, call 22844242 to order, Rs 900 for a nine inch cake, one day notice required.

Why: We discovered this elegant, addictive cake at a family celebration (happy birthday, mum!), sweetened with pear-studded sponge, iced with walnuts and golden glaze. Baked by the same guys who run the cafe at Kitab Khana, it is rarely spotted on the shelf and must be special ordered. They do a mean fruit cake, chocolate mud pie and other flavours as well.

When: Perfect for a party or tea at home. Just play it by (p)ear.

***

What: Back To The Future photography project, visit www.irinawerning.com  or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to participate, free.

Why: This winter, Argentinean photographer Irina Werning brings her remarkable past-future project to India, where she works with old portrait photos and recreates moments with astonishing precision, using the same subject and replicating background, colours and even wardrobe to take an updated photo. The old and recent pictures she publishes side by side.  And now, she’s looking for subjects! The only catch is that Irina’s working out of Delhi, but it’s totally worth the trip! Learn more here.

When: Photo shoots from November 18 to December 10, open for entries now.

***

bpb freebie: Subscribers get super discount on No Nasties eco chic tees. For the discount code and other deals, as well as FREE updates in your inbox, enter your email address in the subscription box.

bRICK

What: Broker Please Excuse, real estate listings portal, visit www.brokerspleaseexcuse.com, no brokerage fee, listing free.

Why: Founded by a bunch of ex-Edelweiss employees, this new website aims to cut out the middle men for both landlords and leasers. Home free! Featuring a simple user interface and efficient customer service, Broker Please Excuse also offers moving services within Mumbai and housekeeping facilities, where trained cleaners wielding top-of-the-line equipment invade your home every fortnight. We recommend their deep cleaning treatment, just in time for Diwali.

When: You want to do as you (p)lease.

***

What: Sanctum, Vasant House, E/86-1012, 19th Road (lane after Fabindia), Khar (W), call 9820079109, view the Facebook group here, coffee mugs for Rs 80.

Why: Furniture strips down its fluff and festoon to bare iron legs, industrial shelves and distressed drawers at this new home store where ornate is a no-no and some products are “not even necessarily pretty”. Employing staff from the recently shut down Contemporary Arts  and Crafts, here you’ll also find dishes by The Freedom Tree, jewellery inspired by steel bartans and a pretty ikhat top by Brass Tacks .

When: Bare in mind, it opens tomorrow, October 6.

pASTE

What: Cremica mayonnaise by the bottle, call Neelam Aunty at 9821501151, pick up from a Khar home, price on request.

Why: It can be found at restaurants all over the city and even in a McDonald's burger, but this super delish eggless mayonnaise is woefully absent from grocery stores. Famous for her home cooking classes and fiercely passionate about burgers, Neelam aunty remedies this travesty by sourcing and retailing the brand straight out of her home. Condiment queen!

When: You want to enrol into Mayo College.

bEATS

What: Heel Condoms on Be Stylish, visit www.bestylish.com, start at Rs 1,000.

Why: On this otherwise pedestrian footwear site we found an accessory that made our toes curl: fun straps or “Heel Condoms” to jazz up everyday pumps in juicy orange and emerald green, sporting pretty flowers, embroidery and in one dubious case, a tuft of feathers. Rubber bands!

When: You want to dick and choose.

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What: Get a stall at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender (three-day music fest in Pune)'s bazaar curated by bpb, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 09920990607 for more information.

Why: How flattering for your wares to be the booty that distracted music fans from live performances by Imogen Heap, Basement Jaxx, Indian Ocean, Midival Punditz and other artists. Make it happen by signing up to sell your trinkets/shoes /bags/baked treats at this multi-genre, happy music fest in Pune where yours truly is curating the bazaar.

When: You want to be on top of the (Imogen) Heap. Last day to sign up for a stall is October 25, festival from November 18 to 20.