What happened when Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda went to tea

Well I don't know what happened when Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda went to tea-but I do know what happened when Lavi, Savi, Soni and Noorie went to tea...

This is afternoon tea- Sex and the City style!

When you're as busy as Carrie and her friends, the best way to catch up is over tea, sandwiches and scones. That's why the Hyatt Regency in London have created the 'Sex and the City' inspired Afternoon Tea. It's flirty, fun and fashionable! What more could a girl want?

We booked the 'Sex and the City Afternoon Par-Tea' as a surprise for Lavi's (our eldest sisters) birthday back in November. We made the reservation pretty last minute and so we were lucky that there was a table for us. We had booked it for 4.30pm but in true Carrie style, we arrived fashionably late at 5.30pm.

Could there be any other way to start a fashion inspired tea party...?

The celebrations started with a bottle of the old bubbly (on the house) but it kinda went a bit down hill after that. You might say they committed a few tea party faux pa's!

The tea took a very long time to arrive but I reckon this is because we had the champagne so they probably assumed we would want to wait before we were served tea, but either way the staff (although quite nice) didn't seem attentive to our needs.

So what do you do when you're dressed up and waiting around for your tea? Well, you take pictures of yourself of course!

Okay so you take pictures of yourself and the place.
This is where we were sat, by the kitchen where we had the perfect view
of the hold up with our tea!

Such posers honestly. 

Oh hi birthday girl! Happy birthday! 

Bubbles make you fly...

The tea and food FINALLY arrives
How can you not take a pic
 with the jelly inspired martini glasses?
I mean how cute are they!

Oh and that would be me with the big sis. Howdy peeps.

Naturally, by the time we had finished being self obsessed the tea and food had arrived. Maybe fashionably late too?

You can choose from four types of teas from the menu, each which reflects the personality of one of the girls. I picked the Organic Silver Needle White Tea inspired by Carrie, which was a nice winter warmer.

A mixture of sweet and savoury treats, here is what you can expect to get at a Sex and the City inspired tea party at The Hyatt:

New York inspired savoury treats which include pastrami on rye,
smoked salmon New York bagel, mini hot dog and mini burger.

Word of warning. The menu described the hot dog as being 'lightly drizzled' with mustard...
Oh my god! Lightly drizzled but very lethal-it burned our lips!

Where's Savi...? 

The lower tier, as seen in the picture is the cold food, the middle tier the hot food and the top tier for the sweet treats-each also inspired by one of the girls' personalities. For Carrie, they have created a strawberry flavoured chocolate pink stiletto; for Charlotte, a pink strawberry cupcake; for Samantha an apple flavoured jelly martini (appletini) and for Miranda, glazed doughnuts.

How cute is the chocolate stiletto
and the mini apple martini jelly!

This strawberry chocolate stiletto was just too sweet for me to finish and that is not a comment any chocoholic should make but it really was pure sugar. None of us could finish it. One bite of the heel  was all we could handle. I guess some things are just nicer to look at.

Personally, neither of us (apart from Savi) are fans of jelly, but surprisingly, I really liked the appletini jelly. Did it have the wobble factor? Yes. But not too wobbly, which is good because I'm not a fan of wobbly things you see. Who remembers wibble wobble jelly on a plate?

I've mentioned before in an earlier post how afternoon tea can fill you up that you don't need to eat dinner, but that wasn't the case this time round. After each working our way through the 3 tiers, we found that we were all still hungry and so ordered another round of tea from the classic tea and scones menu and then we ate and ate until we just could not eat another bite and with that we decided to pack the goodies in a doggy bag and call it a night.

Was it a good night? Yes. Would I go again? Probably not. The waiting around and the tiny portions was a bit of a let down (sorry girls!) and so I award the Sex and the City tea par-tea a stylish but not so swanky 6/10.

Don't just be Inspired. Be Twinspired. 

Noorie 

The Christmas Posts: Recipe for Christmas Pudding Cake Pops

Welcome Back people! In this episode, we'll be showing you how to make Christmas Pudding style cake pops. These really are time consuming, but hey, the Mayans got it wrong so we got plenty of time to play with now. 

The only Christmas Pudding I'm eating this year. 

Equipment

Electric mixer 

Mixing Bowl

Craft knife (or just a really sharp knife)

Chopping board (or a surface which you don't mind scratching)

Rolling Pin 

Lolly sticks

Baking tray

Grease proof paper

Ingredients

200g Madeira Cake

140g-160g White Chocolate

300g Milk Chocolate

Ready-to-Roll icing (festive colours)

To make the Cake Pops

1) Pulse the Madeira cake into a mixer until the cake resembles fine breadcrumbs. 

2) Melt the white chocolate in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a bowl over simmering water. The chocolate must NOT bubble. It should be a smooth consistency. 

3) Combine the chocolate and crumbs together using your hands. 

4) Roll the mix into 10 small balls using the palms of your hands. Place them on a grease proof lined baking tray and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

6) In the meanwhile, melt the milk chocolate in the microwave or in a bowl over simmering water.

7) Once the balls are set, insert a lolly stick (or any other firm stick) into the melted milk chocolate and insert into the balls, one at a time. Once done, return to the fridge to set for another 5-10 minutes. 

8) Once set, take one ball on a stick and dip into the melted milk chocolate. Make sure you cover the ball evenly, rotating the stick around so the chocolate is covered all over the ball. Place them in a glass, polystyrene or cake pop holder to keep them apart and to prevent from sticking to one another. 

9) Roll out the white icing to make the drizzle on the Christmas Pudding effect. Cut out the shape and place on top of the cake pop once the cake pops are completely dry and set. Roll out the holly shape from the green and red icing and finish. 

The fun in making these cake pops actually comes when you are decorating them. They were a pain in the ass to make, but definitely worth it because they looked so cute! 
If you like Cinnamon Biscuits, then you may like our next post on how to make them. Hasta Pronto Amigos!

Don't just be Inspired. Be Twinspired. 

Hernoor aka Noorie

The Christmas Posts: Recipe for Christmas Cupcakes

Holidays Are Coming! Who doesn't love the Coca Cola advert?! It is just too magical and nostalgic. One thing that I never understood as a child was who in their right mind would drink an ice cold drink in the Winter? Anyway, this time of year is so amazing because it means time to spend with family and friends, feeling like a kid again and being inspired by all the festive lights. It is a magical time full of optimism and glad tidings. Enjoy it while it is here, because as a month, 'January' sucks the most. It signifies the end of the the twinkling fairy lights and the beginning of all things bleak, grey and miserable. Merry Christmas, by the way! 

We've been busy baking and shopping for Secret Santa gifts. In the coming posts, we'll be sharing recipes for cupcakes, cake pops and biscuits.

Christmas Pudding Cake Pops, Festive Cinnamon Biscuits and Festive Cupcakes. 

Vanilla Flavoured Christmas Cupcakes

Makes 12

Equipment

12-hole muffin tin

12 muffin cases

Electric mixer (or there is no harm in the trusted 'wooden spoon and elbow grease')

Mixing Bowl

Wire Rack

Craft knife (or just a really sharp knife)

Chopping board (or a surface which you don't mind scratching)

Rolling Pin 

For the cakes

125g/4oz Self-Raising Flour

125g/4oz Caster Sugar

125g/4oz Unsalted Butter (must be room temperature) 

1 and a half teaspoon Baking Powder

2 medium eggs 

2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract 

3 tablespoons Semi-Skimmed Milk

For the Icing/Decoration

Ready to Roll icing (festive colours)

Edible snowflakes/silver balls

White Writing Icing tubes

To make the Cakes

1) Pre-heat oven to 180c/350f/Gas Mark 4 and line the holes of the muffin tin with muffin cases

2) Add the butter, caste sugar and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and mix together for 5-7 minutes until light in colour and creamy in texture. 

3) Add one egg and mix for 1 minute. Add the second egg and mix for another minute. 

4) In a seperate bowl and using a metal spoon mix the flour with the baking powder. Sieve into the mixing bowl and mix together until well incorporated. 

5) Add the milk a few tablespoons at a time and mix for a further minute. 

6) Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases (the mixture should drop softly from the spoon into the cases). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until springy to the touch. To check if the cakes are well baked, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the cake. The knife/toothpick should be clean when removed from the cake. 

7) Remove the baked cupcakes and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. 

To make the Festive Shapes

1) Lightly dust a clean surface with icing sugar.

2) Roll out your desired Ready-to-Roll icing onto the dusted surface as flat as possible. 

3) Using the craft knife, create your desired festive shapes. 

4) Place any unused icing in cling film to prevent it drying out. 

And...here's some we made earlier...(The cupcakes were made by Savi and I, but the awesomely amazing icing skills was all crafted by our talented elder sister, Savi Grewal). 

Attention to detail: Check out Snowman's hat! It's got a little Holly Sprig on it made from icing sugar of course. 

Voila! Festive Cupcakes!! The Icing was all 'glued' into place with white writing icing to prevent the shapes from sliding off the cakes.

Here is Savi aka Santa's little helper getting into the festive spirit with hat, complete with real tinkling bell.       

In the next episode, we will show you how to make Christmas Pudding style Cake Pops. Stay tuned folks. In the meantime remember to wrap up warm, hold the doors open for those carrying bags or loads on their mind and don't ever forget that Santa Claus used to wear a green outfit!

Don't  just be inspired. Be Twinspired.

Sukhman aka Soni

Bollywood Night Out

If you don't already know, Noorie and I are are 'into' all things Bollywood. The costumes, the songs, the dances, the dialogue, and Aamir Khan looks really good these days. I just need to mention how amazing Hrithik Roshan looked in the film 'Jodha Akbar', especially in one particular scene where he is wielding his sword during a practice session, while Aishwarya Rai secretly looks on in awe (and clearly being turned on too). Ladies and Gentleman, check it out below, it is only a short clip but well worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM0jULCmOVY

Wow, I got majorly distracted! Ok, back on track now, haha! 

So I've mentioned we like to listen to Bollywood songs, we like to sing them for fun and try to pick up one or two dance moves. For the record, there is one song that can be played over and over again and I just don't get bored of dancing to it. Check it out below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHsnF-XfsGo

We were looking to get our Bollywood groove on, so Noorie found this place called Apt Bar in St. Pauls where they host 'Kuch Kuch Nights'.

http://www.kuchkuchnights.co.uk/

The place officially gets 'live' after 10pm. It was quite empty at first and the crowd is a mixed crowd of young and old (whatever that means). There were some students, and the other type of student too. Just off the boat, if you catch my drift. I'm sure I saw a few Husband's and Wives out together too. I felt like I was at a Wedding Reception at times, especially when a fight broke out in the middle of the dance floor (further details below). 

The music was a mix of really old school Hindi songs from the 1970s and some popular current item songs too. Everyone seemed up for a laugh and the dance floor was packed. The bar staff were sooo cool! They were European but they were getting in on the fun too, smiling and dancing away whilst pouring drinks. Just to let you know, they don't charge for water. How refreshing for a change. I was disappointed that they didn't play my song (the one in the link) and that really set my mood for the whole evening - I kid you not. 

Noorie poses while she waits for the DJ to warm up and for the place to fill up with more people. 

The highlight of the evening was when a fight broke out in the middle of the dance floor right next to us - I actually felt like I was in a Bollywood movie, 'Dusham Dusham' style. For our non-Indian friends, 'Dusham Dusham' refers to the sound when one guy throws a punch at the other guy in an Bollywood movie. 

As mentioned above, I felt like I was at an Indian Wedding Reception too. For our non-Indian friends, sometimes a fight usually breaks out right at the end of an Indian Wedding Reception Party for no reason other than the fact that the men get drunk and suddenly feel they can take on any guy in the room who looks at their sister/wife/cousin/female friend. This particular 'fight' was one of those fights where one guy was purposely dancing next to another guy's girlfriend. Both guys were trying to be so macho under the influence of alcohol but it was actually embarrassing to watch.

Mehar and I can't contain our excitement. It looks empty, because it was. It got live and kicking around 1am. 

Personally, I wouldn't go again unless I had to. I like to dance to a mix of Bhangra, Bollywood and R&B and this was obviously a pure Bollywood night. Noorie, on the other hand, had a blast. She had a freakingly awesome night out and said she would love to go back. So if you're like me and like to mix it up Bombay Halwa style, this may not be your cup of chai but there's no harm in checking it out. If you're like Noorie, this is defo up your galli (street) so put on your dancing shoes and 'Show us your Jalwa!' (This loosley means, 'Show me your charisma/moves'). If you're not like either of us, then that's actually very normal so don't worry.

Don't just be Inspired. Be Twinspired. 

Sukhman aka Soni

Ponti's -Italian Kitchen

5-7 John Princes Street, London. Home to 'Ponti's' - an Italian Kitchen. 

I like the idea they have called it a 'Kitchen' because that is what it feels like. To really give you a sense of what type of eatery this is, here are a few lines from whoever wrote the 'About' section on the Ponti's website:

''Our open, theatre style kitchen with its wood stove oven, creates a sense of theatre with dramatic displays of Salami, Coppa, Pancetta and Prosciutto Crudo suspended from meat hooks, surrounded by platters of large creamy balls of Mozzarella di Buffala, fresh green Italian olives on ice, punnets of juicy vine ripened cherry tomatoes, fresh Focaccia, Altamura and crisp bread from Italy''. 

Really, that is the best way to describe it. I would like to credit the person who wrote it, but they left no name. So all I can say is good job to the unknown author from Ponti's website! Check the link for more information about Ponti's:

http://www.pontis.co.uk/jsp/pontis.jsp

Most of the staff were really friendly, except one, who looked like she was waiting for her shift to end. But that was our experience on the day we happened to go. She's probably feeling festive and a lot better than when we dined there. On a separate note, I dunno about you guys, but the way a restaurant leaves a lasting impression on me is not just the service, food or staff but also how the Restroom/Toilets are maintained and the overall appearance of it. Here is a pic of what seemed to be a waiting area just outside of the actual toilets.

A place to wait if the toilets aren't vacant? Not sure what the purpose of this area is but it looks funky.
Loving the mirror and random dry plant too.

The Menu

http://www.pontis.co.uk/menus/PIK_main_menu_latest.pdf

To begin, I had a Focaccia with Sea Salt & Rosemary and for the Main, a Caprino Pizza. I do love Goat's cheese. Thank You Goat, I love the cheese you make. Well, the milk that you make for the cheese. Thanks man.  This cheese was melting in the mouth and had a tart taste to it which I like. But the sunblush tomatoes were too tangy for me. The Focaccia was crusty in texture and it was a challenge to eat it, even with my rabbit teeth. To wash all that down, I went for the Cranberry & Mint Cooler juice. The lime slice left a mildly citrusy aftertaste on my tongue. Thumbs up. Noorie went for Hot Chocolate as a drink and the Thick Cut Chips as a side. Can't go wrong with chips and hot chocolate if you're on a budget! We shared the pizza. We share a birthday, so sharing a pizza made sense too. 






Of course we saved room for dessert, people! 

The Dessert Menu

http://www.pontis.co.uk/menus/PIK_dessert_menu_latest.pdf

I went for the dessert with a wicked name: Bomboloni di Ricotta. This is a stodgy dessert, but I actually enjoyed eating this. The warm dough ball themselves were not sweet, rather it was the Acacia Honey which was drizzled over them which gave it a light sweet taste. It wasn't too overpowering in terms of it's sweetness. The vanilla ice-cream was cold, but it's milky consistency made a good accompaniment.

Noorie went for the Italian Lemon Cup Cake. She chose this desssert because she needed something light and 'zesty' after munching on a pizza and chips. Sadly, the cupcake wasn't 'zesty' enough for her. 




If you are heading down to Oxford Street and looking for great food and a place to unwind after your Christmas shopping, then give Ponti's a go. The Kitchen is warmly decorated in time for the Festive season and it is an ideal place if you are looking to eat somewhere a bit 'Christmassy' looking. 

Don't just be Inspired. Be Twinspired

Sukhman aka Soni

Time for Tea: Afternoon Tea Review

I'm not sure if this is something you'll find on the 'bucket list' but I do know it's something everyone should try at least once for the experience of it.

Also, I wouldn't say I'm an expert on it or anything either. (That would be our sis Savi - with her record of high tea hot spots, she should be like the ambassador of afternoon tea!) But having been to Afternoon Tea at a few different places ourselves, I thought I'll share our experience of it for anyone that's confused as to where is the best place to go.

So the contenders for Afternoon Tea (based on our experience) are:

Harrods
The Dorchester
The Ritz

Harrods

Harrods was our first experience of Afternoon Tea, but it felt more like an informal and slightly expensive lunch. Unlike most afternoon tea places where you have to book in advance, we just turned up and that was that.  We were sat on the balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of Knightstbridge and the shiny Lamborghini's, so I'd say we had a pretty good view. Otherwise, if you book in advance then you're most likely to be seated in the Georgian Restaurant with the Grand Piano. That's nice too!

That's us feeling all posh and privileged.

Sweet lil treats

The waiter who served us was really nice and friendly and regularly topped up our tea and sandwiches without us having to ask so that's a good thing, that you don't have to keep waiting around. The tea and food was nice too but nothing outstanding or memorable enough for me to comment on. The food did come out quickly and the desserts were mainly fruit based tarts. Personally, fruit just doesn't cut it as a dessert for me but it's a nice way of fitting your five a day in I guess.  I'm all about chocolate and cheesecakes myself and there wasn't really a selection of them, so here is my sad face ---> :(

Feeling stuffed? How about this for a doggy bag...woof!

It isn't your traditional afternoon tea experience but if you're looking for a last minute, informal tea experience then head down to Harrods because if like me you can't afford anything else in there, you can't go wrong for tea at £29.00 per person!

The Dorchester

This was our second experience of afternoon tea where we celebrated our sister Savi's 25th birthday last year. We booked in advance as this is one of the popular places for tea and so it does get booked quite quickly. We were sat in The Promenade which was just by the foyer and was really warm and inviting. The other place where you can have tea is The Spatisserie which is a slightly more intimate dining place and is more for private parties.

Everything about The Dorchester was AMAZING from the food, the atmosphere and the toilets! (Yes, the way to judge a good restaurant is surprisingly not by the food but the lavs so there's a tip for you!)

Waiting area in the foyer

We were served straight away and the food and tea all came out together within a short space of time. The sandwiches were moreish and had lots of flavour . The scones were fresh and 'scony' and the clotted cream was creamy! The jam too was very much jammy and the desserts ranged from macaroons to light sponge cakes and chocolate! ---> :) happy face

Scones with clotted cream and jam

The best thing about The Promenade is that it features live entertainment every day between 1.15 and 7pm. There was a live jazz band that played music when we there and they dedicated a few songs to our sister, the birthday girl, so they really do pay attention to detail in everything to make your occasion (if that's what you're booking it for) feel special. The waiters were really friendly and took some time to get to know us all and made sure we were having a good time celebrating.

Live music in The Promenade

Overall, I would say The Dorchester for it's great food, tea and great atmosphere is a classy tea experience and a great place to celebrate an occasion or just a chinwag with the girls!

The Ritz

We celebrated my sister Savi's 'Swan' (classy version of a hen!) at The Ritz.

This is probably the place for high tea as it is exactly just that-high tea. It is traditional English high tea in all senses of the word and an almost perfect experience. I say almost because for me it was a little pretentious in the sense that I didn't feel I could be myself here. I had to watch that I didn't drop any crumbs and that my spoon wasn't clinking too loudly in the cup. These tiny details might sound stupid but once you're there you feel they do matter because their staff watch over as everybody dines so you feel that you have to be on your best behaviour all the time! I didn't feel relaxed here as I did at The Dorchester however I was blown away by the Tea room at The Ritz because it is gilded in gold, is really extravagant (as expected) and the service is second to none.

The Palm Court where tea is served

At our session of tea, we were the only Asians (!) and so the resident pianist, Ian Gomes (the personal pianist of Frank Sinatra!) at The Ritz played instrumentals from Bollywood songs on the Grand Piano for us which was a real treat especially for me because I friggin' love Bollywood! If you get a chance to have tea at The Ritz then you have to meet Ian. He really is the most nicest and humble person you will ever meet and we were lucky enough to have him play at Savi's wedding reception too. He knows a lot of romantic Bollywood songs and we were all well impressed.

The food at the Ritz obviously can't be faulted. Aside from the individual desserts you get as part of the tea menu, the waiters were also going around with fresh pastries and tarts which were not on the menu. These sweet little treats were just too good to describe. Little slices of Heaven, one might say!

Afternoon tea at The Ritz is from £42.00 per person and with it being on the upper end of the 'high tea' market, I would recommend this experience for a really special person or occasion.

(Word of warning here. Even though it is just tea, scones and sandwiches, afternoon tea experience can really fill you up that you'll have no room for Dinner! So I would say eat lightly before you go. If you can't finish all the sandwiches and desserts then you can get a pretty doggy bag from Harrods and The Dorchester, whereas The Ritz don't do doggy bags so don't ask and get your besti done! (loosely translates to 'embarrasment/shame')


                                                                                   Don't just be inspired. Be Twinspired.

Hernoor aka Noorie

Soni's Insomnia Playlist

As of late, I have had some issues getting to sleep. I'm consumed by Insomnia. I think. 

 Now, some would say there are lots of things I could do to pass my time. I could bake, write a poem, go for a drive, meditate, organise my life etc but I actually really badly just want to sleep. My solution to help me get to the 'Land of Nod' is a playlist of 'Late Night Songs'. Kind of like 'Magic FM', except these are Hindi songs/songs from Bollywood movies. I've put together a playlist on my Android (Samsung SII - love, love, love you mate) and the following songs are ideally suited to be played at night. Well that's just my opinion really, but I've chosen them for my playlist because I feel the composition of the songs compliment the dark mystery and stillness of the Night. Hmm, maybe I should write a poem. Does anyone else have issues getting to sleep? Does anyone else have a playlist? Is anyone else out there? Are skinny jeans uncomfortable for men? Are dogs colour-blind? Does chocolate really give us spots? Am I the only one who doesn't get the big deal with Katrina Kaif?

Soni's 'Late Night Songs' Playlist 

1) Dil Mera Khogaya Dil  

2) Chura Liya

3) Kismat Se Tum

4) Tuhi Re

5) In Lamhon Ke Daman Mein  

Oh, just one more thing before I go to sleep (yeh right). I highly recommend you watch the video to Song #5. It is from one of my favourite movies, 'Jodha Akbar'. This song is beautiful in so many ways. Composed by A R Rahman and sung by Sonu Nigam and Madhushree, the actors, (Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), bring out the emotions of the singers, respectively. The intense yet subtle passion is simply spellbinding to watch. Kya Jodi! What a great on-screen pair Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan make in this film. This movie is also a real treat to my eyes because of costumes of the Mughal-era in which this movie is set.

Photograph taken by Shivji Joshi - a Jodhpur based Photographer.
We met Shivji in Jodhpur at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October 2011. This photograph was taken in Jodhpur during the 'Dawn Devotions' of RIFF. The Sun had just begun to rise and we felt total Anand (bliss). Eyes closed, we actually look like twins here. 

It wouldn't make sense if I didn't sign this off with a Goodnight. 

Goodnight sleepyheads. 

You lucky things. 

Don't just be inspired. Be Twinspired. 

Sukhman aka Soni 

Our 'Wicked' birthday surprise

We LOVE theatres/plays and musicals, so our Sister's and Mum took us to see ‘Wicked the Musical’ on the evening of our birthday as a surprise and what a wicked (yeah we love our puns!) surprise it was.

This is us being really cool. 

I knew that the musical was loosely based on The Wizard of Oz that we all know and love, but I didn't know that it is actually based on a 1995 novel which tells of the untold story of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

If you haven’t seen this musical, then be prepared to be blown away by powerful vocals and amazing musical pieces. I've seen ‘The Lion King’ musical and 'Avenue Q' and really loved every bit of those musicals, but the vocals of Elpheba (the green witch) in ‘Wicked’ filled the whole theatre and really just blew me away. I was literally sitting there with my mouth open. So many people before me that had seen ‘Wicked’ had told me that it really is an amazing musical and a must see, but I didn't expect to be literally left speechless by her vocals. 

The way the whole production comes together and the way the story of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is woven in is genius. It makes you see the story of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in a different light, but in particular makes you realise that ‘The Wicked Witch of the West’ was not so wicked, which is probably the aim of the musical.  Among all the comedy (great sarcasm provided by Elpheba, the green witch by the way), drama, song and dance is a really simple and heart warming message (which I won’t say in case some of you haven’t seen it.) But, I will say that it is emotional (something I DEFINITELY wasn’t expecting) and will make you think twice before you judge someone but also, make you understand that there is always a reason for why people act a certain way or do certain things.

I will say that the first half dragged on a bit though and I thought a few parts weren't really needed because they didn't make sense to the rest of the story, but the pace picked up after the interval.

I’ve been to a few theatre productions before, but this one got a standing ovation from the whole audience for its classic comedy, the genius of its wit and the pure entertainment factor. So if you’re planning to see a musical this year, make sure you go see ‘WICKED’!

Don't just be Inspired. Be Twinspired! 

Love Hernoor

Birthday Lunch at Babylon Restaurant, The Roof Gardens, Kensington

We turned 25 on Tuesday. We wanted to have a 'Birthday Breakfast' somewhere nice, but we had trouble finding somewhere nice. Well, no, that's a lie. I just knew I wouldn't be able to get up early enough so I decided we would have 'Birthday Lunch' instead, that too in style because we are now a stylish age. Boom. 

I booked a 'Table for 2' in the early hours of our birthday, and for this reason I must express my gratitude to the Internet and my Samsung SII, (thank you Internet, thank you Samsung SII). It was a last-minute booking but I must say the food, ambiance and hospitality of the staff has left a lasting impression. 

What? Lunch

Where? 99 High Street Kensington, London, W8 5SA

Why? 25th Birthday Lunch 

When? 13:30

Who? Sukhman and Hernoor (Identical Twins, yaa)

The experience began with a fifteen minute drive to South Ealing Station. We parked the car and got on the Piccadilly Line to alight at Earls Court, where a District Line change would take us to High Street Kensington. Strutting our stuff in our heels over to the entrance of number 99, we were greeted by a sleekly dressed woman who walked us over to the Lift and waited with us until it arrived on the Ground Floor. First Brownie Point for the day awarded for this personal service. 

Floor 7. Ping. Welcome to Babylon. 

'Good Afternoon Ladies, Welcome to Babylon. May we take your blazers?' (Well, not really but I feel bad you already have the hanger out and waiting). By this point we felt really important because we were the only young (looking) ones in the room. I'm sure there were people in there looking 50 but feeling 17, and if so, good on them! 'Would you like a window seat Ladies?' Tip: if you are at Babylon and are asked this question, don't hesitate to say 'yes'. That's the whole point of this restaurant - that you can see the (partial) skyline of London. 

Here's a picture of Hernoor looking well happy with the experience so far.

''Life's Good''
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Here's a picture of me looking prim and proper about to tuck into my Main of Mackerel and Tagliatelli 

(scroll down to read food review of individual courses).

''Check out them chunky chips''
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Here is the Set Lunch Menu to view:

http://www.roofgardens.virgin.com/resources/pdfs/the_roof_gardens/babylon/food_and_drink/SetLunch.pdf

It wasn't difficult for me to choose what I was going to delight myself with because I like the lightness of soup, the chewy texture of fish and the creaminess of Tiramisu. I was ready to order in under a minute. Surprisingly for October, it was a sunny day and I do like apple juice with mint, so that was the drink covered for the day.

Sukhman's order with review:

Drink

Apple Mojito
Mint, lime, sugar and apple juice

This was a truly tangy, snappy and refreshingly crisp juice, chilled and ideal for that extra sweetness my palette was badly craving. 5/5. 

 Starter

Sweet Corn Soup (V)

With coriander oil and red chilli

Frothy and light, the flavour of the sweetcorn was sweetly subtle. But, I did get a red chilli having an unexpected party at the back of my throat which was not cool (pun intended) . I don't like chillies. Blame the chilli for the score of 4/5.

Main and Side Order
Grilled Line Caught Cornish Mackerel with Tagliatelle pasta, smoked mackerel cream, horseradish and sorrel and a side order of Buttered New Potatoes

There was just the right amount of Mackerel fillet and pasta in the plate. The fish which was grilled with a golden glow, sat on a bed of tagliatelli which had the mackerel cream poured over it. The  overall flavour was mildly smoky. 5/5. The buttered potatoes came in varied sizes in a separate bowl with spoon. Did my knife slice down them with ease? You bet. 4/5 because I have a small stomach and was really saving room for dessert. 

Dessert
Tiramisu Pot
With coffee ice cream

Cream delicately tasting yet thick in texture, topped over moist sponge soaked in coffee with that bittersweet kick is what keeps making me come back to this dessert again and again. Oh, and the ice cream had a very slight crunch to it which I thought worked really well with the creamy factor. Some Tiramisu's can end up tasting very 'watery' because they are frozen and pre-packaged. Not this baby. It came out in a jar too. It looked the part and certainly delivered. Job well done. 5/5

Then there was the 'Surprise' after the dessert: a complimentary coffee flavoured cream mousse thingy encased in shards of dark chocolate. Check out the Birthday Message written in Chocolate sauce!

If you are looking for an affordable, stylish and swanky venue for a random Lunch, this is it. A good menu to select from, staff who make you feel like you are really rich, and an atmosphere which isn't too pretentious (bonus points for having a garden on the roof, hello?!). This is one Babylon which you just gotta visit, baby.

'Dont just be Inspired. Be Twinspired'

Sukhman

25 things I am GRATEFUL for

Turning 25. It really is just a number. Just a frikkin number. The past few days, my friends, (you know who you all are!) and family probably got really peed off with me for being melodramatic about turning 25. Thanks guys for being sooo supportive though!! To be honest, I am really in denial that we are this age because inside my heart still feels 17. Plus, we actually look like we're 16. Getting older is scary because we begin to truly realise that Time has no mercy. So, panic mode sets in where we feel we have to cram all our desires and dreams into a short space of time because time is running out. WRONG!! What a wack attitude.

 With the tolerance, patience and wisdom of my family and friends and some ' Quiet Thinking Time', I made a conscious decision to just 'let go' of that feeling inside me which is telling me to 'speed up' the process of reaching my dreams. Rushing through Life is so dangerous because it means I risk enjoying all the small special moments in between which are going to make a difference to my 'Life Painting' at large. It's not easy to change this attitude I have been harboring my whole life, but as Buddha says, 'A jug is filled drop by drop'. In the meanwhile, I feel it is necessary to remind myself of things I am grateful for so that I can appreciate how far I have come in my life and just to be thankful I have made it, (as one of my friends put it), 'halfway to 50'.

Sukhman Grewal Photography
'Light Graffiti'. 

I am grateful for:

1) My Family. We are not many, but I am grateful for each and every member and wouldn't have it any other way otherwise I wouldn't be the person I am. They motivate, inspire, scold, discipline, often misunderstand but still support me and stand by me.

2) A bed to sleep on and a roof over my head.

3) Running water, hot and cold.

4) Clean drinking water.

5) The ability to walk, dance and run.

6) My amazing, inspirational, cool friends

7) The people I have met on our travels.

8) Having a travel buddy !!

9) The thirteen amazing years Zink spent with us as part of our family.

10) The best sisters ever!

11) Electricity, Light and Heating at the touch of a button.

12) Free Education and the chance to go to University (though I didn't have the best time at Uni)

13) A passport so that I can see the world

14) A car that gets me to where I need to be. It's not the grandest car but it does the job.

15) A variety of clothes and shoes. There are days when I say, 'We need more shoes and more dresses', then I have to stop and digest what I am saying.

16) A job that pays a good amount. Yes, I am not a the wealthiest kid around, but it helps me pay for the things I need and the things I want.

17) The internet. So I can keep in touch with the all the special people in my life and to be able to have the world at my fingertips.

18) Being given the opportunity to sing at various places

19) My camera because it lets me capture amazing memories

20) The ability to speak and have an opinion

21) Ears to hear the voices of my all the awesome people in my Life and to hear my favourite songs

22) The ability to read whatever I want

23) The ability to write whatever I want

24) Being a woman who can have an education

25) Having a TWIN!!

Sukhman 

Turning 25, acting 17

As I write this, it is precisely 23.43pm GMT. So in exactly 17 minutes, I will turn 25!!

I am still pretty much in denial about it I think and I really wasn't looking forward to it until about a week ago, an old colleague of mine knocked a lil sense into me and made me realise that:

'the only thing age does is make you more tired and turn your hair grey eventually' 

(Ian Sell et al, 2012)

Ian Sell, you really could not have put it any better. He reminded me of the old adage that age is nothing but a number and it really is what you make of it. 

I am a very ambitious person and like to see that my goals are achieved, however big or small and in the last 5 years, I have been in this mad rush to achieve so many things (some realistic and some unrealistic) before I turn a certain age. But yet again, I was slapped in the face with the wise words of Ian Sell:

'there's no finishing line you need to beat' (Ian Sell, et al 2012)

And those 8 words have echoed in my head every day since.

We are all driven by ambition to some extent and success is something everyone wants to have. I wouldn't say I was madly obsessed in seeing my ambitions/goals/dreams/desires fulfilled but definitely had a hunger for it and though I have achieved the majority of the things that I wanted to by the time I turned 25, I was in such a frenzy about fulfilling my goals, that the years 20-24 came and went with the blink of an eye. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's not about how old you are but how old you feel and there are days when I feel 22 and there are days when I feel 17. What does it even mean to BE an age? What you feel inside is more important and this is what I have come to realise at the quarter of a century mark, that:

Today is the oldest I have been and the youngest I will ever be again. 

So no more sulking about my age and trying to cram everything in to this imaginary schedule. There is no final destination but stops of happiness and joy, laughter and love to be had and in the words of Ian Sell, I will 'rock on!!!!!

Hernoor

This was taken last month at Disneyland Tokyo
where we were clearly feeling a lot younger than 24!
If you can't rock a Minnie headband, whatever your age,
then you just don't rock at all !

Happy 25th birthday to us! woo!!