Everyday Indulgences

I make my day a little more special by peppering it with these luxuries. They make me feel very indulged, and are totally worth it in my book (titled How to Pamper Yourself All the Time and Justify It in the Name of Self-Improvement).

1. Morning cuppa: For me nothing beats a good, aromatic cup of coffee at the start of the day. I get mine from the Orange County plantation in Coorg whose environmentally-friendly philosophy I really admire.
2. New podcasts to hear while driving: I eagerly wait for new podcasts from my favourite shows because they change my drive time and somehow make me feel smarter and more in-the-know. Anything to develop these facets of my brain, she said.
3. Perfume: The woodsy, citrusy perfume Escale à Pondichéry makes me feel like I’m on a holiday. Could one ask for more from a perfume?
4. The perfect everyday lipstick: I finally found the right shade for me. A small step towards my dream of looking like the girls I saw cycling to work in Amsterdam/all over Europe - immaculately made up but very natural. Seriously, how do they do it?
5. Ordering an eagerly anticipated book online: Nothing to beat finding/ordering a book you’ve been looking forward to for ages - in my case right now it's Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
6. Soaking my feet in warm water at the end of the day: Sooo good for tired feet.
7. Pine-scented soy candles: I love the candles made by Niana; they spread their fragrance lightly through the room and are most relaxing. Home spa, if you will.
8. Random email/text chats with my BFFs: Life updates, gossip and randomness in short sentences is guaranteed to brighten the day.
9. Balsamic vinegar and freshly cut mango: Balsamic + any sweet fruit + salt is a match made in heaven. You have to try this.
10. Fancy skincare products: Judge me if you will, but I have a weakness for all things skincare. I guess I'm a believer. They make my day (ahem, while preparing me for the onslaught of age and pollution of course). Thank you, Visionnaire!

What are your little indulgences through the day? I'm sure everyone has some? I can't be the only one with a neon sign over my head . . . 

Orange County, Coorg

After my wedding, as with any other Indian wedding, my family needed a serious vacation. Months of dealing with caterers, decorators, printers and bridezilla people in general had left them rather frazzled but grateful that it was a once-in-a-lifetime affair.

Orange County to the rescue! 

A few hours drive from Mysore, Orange County is a gorgeous coffee plantation cum boutique resort. Its lush foliage and quiet charm  make you feel like you've reached another world - a world with genteel people, birdsong, sunsets, dewy air and absolutely beautiful coffee.

'Nature will provide for all your needs, but not for your greed.'


This was our cottage.

Pretty, winding paths walk you through the property. 

There are golf carts if you prefer being driven.

If you're lost, look to a tree for answers. Life rule.

This reading room is built on stilts! It has a stunning view of the plantation.

Let the breeze turn the pages of your book . . .

You read your book, the pretty lady will do her thing.

The adults-only (yay!) pool complete with bar and lifeguard.

Nothing beats a pool in the afternoon.

Besides a nap in a hammock.

The Ayurvedic massage centre - all traditional architecture and wooden roof and stunning.

I dream of sitting on this tiny veranda again with my morning coffee. It rejuvenated my family. Maybe you should take yours there too.