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Category Archives: relationships

Benefits of Baking

Lockdown extended! Is quality time with your loved ones on your to-do list? Well if that’s what you’re looking for, it doesn’t get better than baking together! Baking can be incredibly uplifting and relaxing when done in your alone time, but when done in a group it can take you to a whole different zone. And when it’s done with close family and friends, it can be almost therapeutic!

Here’s a look at why baking with family should be on your must-do list in lockdown 3.0:

B for….Bonding!

Baking requires time and patience. It’s but natural that if you’re doing it with someone, you’re investing time and effort into creating something together. In the process you nurture and strengthen your bonds with each other, in the most delicious way imaginable

There’s something in it for everyone!

From toddlers to grandparents, everyone can help out in baking a scrummylicious cake; or fun and funky donuts! From measuring ingredients (grandpa, with his penchant for being precise); to mixing the cake batter (the kids get to play a role here!) baking is an all inclusive affair. Even the family dog can play a part- licking the batter off the kitchen floor! 😉

Baking is SUPER for kids! Okay, there are reams and reams of research out there which prove beyond doubt that baking is a fabulous activity for families with kids to indulge in as often as possible. Not only does it get kids interested in trying healthy foods (carrot cake, anyone?), it gets children involved in the process of meal planning and learning about healthy ingredients, makes them feel included and accomplished by contributing something to the family meal and teaches several basic math and scientific principles. So get your kids around that oven already!

You get to learn a lifelong skill…

Yup, baking ain’t just fun and games! As anyone who is clueless about cooking; we’re talking about being unable to even boil an egg- there really are peeps like that out there!- will tell you, learning how to bake is an invaluable skill. And it’s a skill that will last you a lifetime. If acquired well, it can bring you great joy (not to mention delicious bakes!). And hey, if you get really good at it, you may even make it a lifelong passion!

Baking together gets those creative juices flowing…

Baking has been likened to a work of art and a good baker is akin to an artist. So it goes without saying that when you and your family get involved in baking you bring your individual personalities and talents to the entire process and feed off each others creativity. You can take that basic cake recipe and add your own creative flair to it. Who says you have to be a text book baker? In the process, you not only unleash your imagination, you amp up the entire creative process! Many epic desserts- think cake pops, or macarons!- have been created by imaginative and innovative bakers thinking outta the (cake) box!

Fosters some awesome teamwork!

Remember that old saying about how too many bakers can ruin the cake? Just as with any other group or community project, baking requires great teamwork and organization. In any team there are people with different skill levels and competencies; some need support and guidance, some get an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. And when you’re playing for the greatest team of all-the home team- it’s a learning ground like no other, and fun too!

We hope we’ve got you all revved up about spending time with the fam around that oven, baking up loads of happiness, with these benefits of baking! Don’t forget to watch this space for more fun bake for family– we have LOADS of awesome stuff we plan to serve up to you this month- fresh and hot from the oven, Con Affetto style 😉

5 Hatke Ways To Celebrate Raksha Bandhan!

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When we first set eyes on the picture above, it had us going ‘OMG, yes!‘ and laughing till we teared up, all at the same time, as memories of those childhood squabbles came rushing back in a flood. You may love them to bits, or love to hate them at times, but all said and done, if you have a sibling it’s hard to imagine life without them! Your siblings understand you in a way that few other people do, and nobody else has that shared and intimate knowledge of the other that comes with years of growing up together.

You may enjoy: 5 Life Skills You Learn When You Have An Elder Brother

This year in addition to the rituals, the symbolic tying of the rakhi; the traditional goodies and mithai; the friendly banter and the demand for gifts 😉 we wanted to do something unique to bring back the memories and bring alive the fun that characterizes the relationship between siblings. Sounds interesting? Read on for some hatke ways to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with your brother or sister!

#1: Take a walk down memory lane this Raksha Bandhan

Sunday morning cartoons over breakfast; Friday night pizza dinners; weekend trips to the park or beach, every childhood is replete with certain family rituals. Bring back some of your favourite rituals this Raksha Bandhan and relive memories of your childhood with your brother or sister as you go back to being kids again in each other’s company, even if it is only for a few hours.

We love all things funky and unique at Con Affetto! Check out our ideas on hatke ways to celebrate Raksha Bandhan 2016. Pajama parties, movie marathons, virtual coffee if your brother or sister is far away, a trip to an amusement park or bringing back a childhood ritual, which creative way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan will you pick?

Take a walk down memory lane…

Con Affetto Stories: Riya, 27 & Arjun, 23 from Chandigarh, grew up in Dehradun with a shared passion for Scrabble. “As kids, Friday nights were Scrabble nights. We would rush back from school on Fridays, finish whatever we needed to and then get down to Scrabble! Even Mummy, Papa knew better than to disturb us, in fact they encouraged us. We would often eat dinner over the Scrabble board and things could get really competitive. Now, with Riya settled in Delhi, those Friday night Scrabble sessions are a thing of the past, but we make it a point to play a game every Raksha Bandhan. Whether it is Delhi or Chandigarh, we take out the time to catch up every year, even if it is just for a day, and the Scrabble board travels with us! And yes, things can get really competitive even now!”

#2: Celebrate this Raksha Bandhan at an amusement park

Nothing is more symbolic of the unbridled fun and abandon of the early childhood years than a trip to an amusement park. A whole day set aside for fun and frolic; exciting rides; enticing food; laughter and shared moments with loved ones, some of our best childhood memories are often associated with picnics or trips as a family. You may be all grown up now but the amusement park can still bring out the inner fun loving child in you. And hey, its a great way to unwind, de-stress and bond with your sibling without having to worry about planning the details. Just book your tickets and you’re sorted!

Bring out the rakhis at an amusement park this year!

Con Affetto Stories: “When we were kids, a trip to Essel World every year was a must in the summer holidays. Some of our best childhood memories are associated with that place” recount Tejas, 37 and Divya, 32. “Now, Divya is in the US, and I’m in Mumbai and we just get to meet once a year. But last year she made a special effort to plan a trip around Raksha Bandhan and both of us had the same idea: Essel World! We took the entire extended family along; our kids had such a blast and we really got to spend quality time together after years. It was the best Raksha Bandhan in years!”

#3 Planning a last minute Raksha Bandhan and don’t know what to do? Try a movie marathon!

The daily grind can get to the best of us, so if you’re one of the many who’ve had absolutely no time or mind space to even think about what to do for Raksha Bandhan, a movie marathon may be the perfect solution! It’s a brilliant opportunity to hang out and catch up, while being able to relax and unwind all at the same time. You could head to the most conveniently located multiplex, or the neighbourhood theatre where you watched movies together as kids if that’s possible! Or, if even that seems like too much effort, just sack out at either of your homes and bring on the movies!

Have a chilled out Raksha Bandhan with your fave munchies & movies!

Con Affetto Stories: Twins Anchal and Abhimanyu, 26, love watching movies but their hectic schedules barely leave them with time to breathe! They often end up watching movies together over the weekend as it also gives them a chance to hang out and a movie marathon to celebrate Raksha Bandhan seemed like a brilliant idea! “We are not really into rituals and stuff. What is important is that you bond with each other and spend time together. This year Raksha Bandhan was in the middle of the week so it was also a day off and much needed respite from work. A movie marathon seemed brilliant! We even got popcorn and ice cream and ate from the same tub like we used to as kids ”

#4 Celebrate this Raksha Bandhan in your pajamas!

We’re talking pajama parties and sleepovers! Back when you were kids, you and your sibling probably shared a bedroom and spent long hours chatting and bickering way into the night. Bring out those jammies and bring back those all night talkathons with a good old fashioned pajama party. You could even throw in some of your favourite grub and organise a midnight feast! It will be a unique Raksha Bandhan all right and a super fun way to bond.

How about some bedtime stories, just like when you were kids?

Con Affetto Stories: “We often plan sleepovers for our kids these days but we never thought of having one for ourselves until one of our kids gave us the idea!” share Preeti 27, Anjali, 32 and Rakesh, 35. “We felt a bit silly at first, but slowly we began to enjoy ourselves and had so much fun that we didn’t want the pajama party to end! We are all in the same city but every one is so involved with their own lives that we barely get a chance to meet. We have decided to celebrate Raksha Bandhan every year with pajama parties so that come what may, the three of us get to spend time with each other.”

#5 Long distance Rakha Bandhan? Raise a toast…virtually!

Miss your sibling terribly come Raksha Bandhan but feel helpless because you are continents apart? Fret not, in the day of Facebook Live and SnapChat, a little social media can go a long way! This year, why not catch up with your sibling over a virtual meal? Just pick a time slot that is mutually convenient and arrange for a snack that suits the occasion! You could go one step further and pick a snack you know your sibling is particularly fond of, or maybe something you both equally relished as children!

Continents apart at Raksha Bandhan? Virtual coffee to the rescue!

Con Affetto Stories: Ridhi, 23 and Rishabh, 27 have celebrated many a Raksha Bandhan together, albeit virtually “We were really close as kids, and now with both of us settled in different countries, we really miss those growing up years when we were always together. Especially on occasions like Raksha Bandhan you really feel the pinch, but it’s difficult to plan a trip every year now with kids in the picture and everyone’s evolving schedules! Skype really came as a blessing to us. Even today, when I feel really low, my first instinct is to check if Ridhi is free for a quick Skype chat and it’s the same with her. On Raksha Bandhan we make it a point to set aside a good one hour for each other and chat about anything and everything. Last year we had this idea of having a meal together, on Skype to celebrate Raksha Bandhan! Our time zones were so out of whack that we could only manage a cup of coffee but it was so wonderful. Best coffee ever!”

So there you have it, some truly hatke ways to celebrate Raksha Bandhan! Movie marathon, pajama party, trip to the amusement park…which one will you pick? Or maybe you have some ideas of your own or some unique experiences you’ve had at Raksha Bandhan with your siblings. Tell us; we’d love to hear from you this Raksha Bandhan!

Con Affetto Love: Featuring Shehla Meezan

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“Trends Forecaster. Hunter of fashion and tech moments. Travel Photographer…”

Hooked? We don’t blame you! That’s how she describes herself on social media and she had us hooked…and lined and sinkered! Speaking of getting hooked at first sight, in this particular case it worked both ways 😉 The lady in question saw us on Instagram and was intrigued. It was the beginning of a long and beautiful association that we honour and cherish till date, with her going on to become one of our most frequent, valued and need we say- most charismatic Con Affettistas! *Con Affettista (n, female; male:Con Affettisto): Someone totally cool who crushes on Con Affetto and possibly, fell in love with us at first sight* 😉

Okay, we bet the suspense is killing you now, so we’re going to bring her centre stage right away! Introducing Shehla Meezan, all of the above and SO much more and we are so honoured and delighted to have her sharing this space with us today!

Without any further ado, in conversation with Shehla Meezan…

In conversation with Shehla Meezan, creative director, trends forecaster, valued Con Affetto client

Featuring Shehla Meezan

Welcome to the blog Shehla! We’d love, love, LOVE to know a little more about you!

Happy to be here I’m a trends forecaster and amateur photographer, turned creative director to an online fashion company. Born to travel, I’ve been all over the globe and currently call New Delhi my home.

You’re a fabulous trends forecaster with a keen sense of the global fashion industry. Tell us a little about your journey?

Well, I did my schooling at Sanskriti School in Delhi, followed by undergrad at NIFT where I studied Fashion & Textiles. I then did a specialization in Creative Pattern Cutting from London College of Fashion.

What have been your biggest challenges and achievements so far? Personal and professional…

A world traveller…Shehla’s going places!

My biggest achievements while growing up were to work with the best designers around the world from Delhi to London to New York. After that I have come to creating from ground up, a new age fashion portal online. Personally, my family has granted me so much independence that I have traveled around the world by myself, from a young age of 7 years. It’s a great experience when you meet new people and discover new cultures, makes me forever hungry to try out new things.

Your family sounds incredibly supportive. Can you tell us a little more about them?

My family has rarely managed to stay together; it’s either my father or me or my sister who are always on the move, my mother is the one who keeps us rooted. So when we all do get together, every once in a few months, we try and make the best of it. Our entire family is spread across the globe, so when we all come together it’s like a whole festival!

Family…festivals…love…gifting!

That sounds like so much fun Families and festivals always remind us of gifting! What’s your take on gifting?

I like to give people what I would like to get, in terms of value. Anything new and unique makes one feel special, and that is something I aim for every time.

We agree Okay, one last question. You’ve been a valued Con Affetto client for some time now. So…blush blush…what’s your take on us?

Yup, it’s love at first sight with our gorgeous, blooming arrangements alright :)

I came across the beautiful gifting style you at Con Affetto have, on Instagram. So unique and so delightful, you can outshine any bouquet of flowers or box of imported chocolates even! Your popular flavours keep you trendy. All my close ones have expressed their delight especially about this unique present and always have so many compliments for you’ll. Your special attention (customer care pre and post delivery) is always a pleasant surprise and so very welcome in today’s Indian service industry. I can’t wait for you to begin nation wide delivery, I have so many people to surprise with your unique idea of Con Affetto.

Thanks SO much Shehla, for joining us on the blog today! We wish you all the very best in all your future endeavors; in fashion, gifting, travel and all of the fantabulous things that we’re sure lie ahead for you!

Enjoyed this feature? Check out some of our other fabulous clients featured here and here!

Get Your Whole Family In The Kitchen And Baking This ‘Bake For Family’ Month!

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Hey there guys! We’ve been kinda busy chez Con Affetto what with Valentine’s Day (Did YOU take part in our fab V Day contest? No? Worry not, watch this space for more fun contests coming your way soon!) and ‘Bake For Family’ Month’– which is currently on in full swing. Speaking of ‘Bake For Family’ month, we had the Con Affetto bake off recently at our office and it was not only the most awesome work event imaginable, it was also a trip down nostalgia lane. Everyone at work shared stories of how they had first gotten started with baking and it took us right back to a sleepy little small town in Rajasthan where two little girls had BIG gourmet dreams! Yeah, true story!

Get your whole family in the kitchen and baking this Bake For Family Month. And take a trip down nostalgia lane with us at Con Affetto!

Two little girls with big gourmet dreams Take a trip down nostalgia lane with us!

Growing up in Bhilwara in Rajasthan, we only ever had stodgy, old fashioned cakes covered with mounds of buttery cream from the only bakery in town.

Blast from the past! Remember these cream cakes from our childhood days?

Baking at home was not that common and the only delicious, gourmet cakes we tasted were few and far between. We had one such encounter with a divine tasting cake at a friend’s birthday party and were stunned to hear that her mum had baked it! We promptly trooped back home and began badgering our own mum to bake exactly the same version of deliciousness we’d had at our friend’s. Mum rose (literally!) to the occasion and learned how to bake the cake we craved for from our friend’s mum- and that was our first foray into the many delights of baking. Spurred on by our craving for all things cake-y, Mum began what would be a long standing tryst with baking. Recipes were procured from around the world, sometimes painstakingly noted down over the telephone; ingredients were sourced from willing relatives and friends travelling to the nearest big city and baking experiments were made manifold in our tiny home oven. Our baking repertoire slowly began to grow. From being required for special family occasions, the very act of baking itself became the occasion, with the entire family eagerly anticipating the ‘event’. From helping Mum with the prep; to sitting around the oven watching those delicious cupcakes or cookies begin to take form; to helping with the clean up (batter licking experts to the rescue!), baking was a family affair all right! For the two little girls with cupcake-y visions; it was a dream come true!

And this is what Con Affetto memories are made of :)

Fast forward to many years later. The little girls were all grown up now, and had moved away from home to pursue other goals. Yet the warm memories they’d created around the family oven, stayed in their hearts. It was to these memories that one of the little girls, now grown up, returned, in a bid to recreate the same magical experiences for her own children. Armed with the passion for baking she’d inherited from her mum and driven with her own exceptional talent for crafting, she began creating gourmet bakes for her kids and crafting them into gorgeous edible bouquets. Very soon, not just her kids, but friends, neighbours and relatives were swooning over her drool-worthy creations. And that’s when inspiration struck the two sisters with erstwhile cupcake dreams! What if they could recreate the magic from their childhood and translate it into something for everyone to enjoy? What if their edible bouquets could become something much more- a celebration of baking and crafting, of love?

Baking…Crafting…Creating magic with gourmet baked products @ConAffetto

The Con Affetto idea had just been born! The coming together of passion, creativity… and a generous sprinkling of magic! Inspired by the beauty of flowers and the delectable temptation of gourmet bakes, it was the birth of edible bouquets chez Con Affeto!

Funky gift ideas for her! Gorgeous edible bouquets from Con Affetto

The Con Affetto Story! A dream come true :)

And it had all begun with a charming little family baking tradition Inspired? We hope you are because there is no better time than ‘Bake For Family’ month to start creating some family baking traditions of your own! If YOU want to get your family involved in baking, here are three easy ways to get your whole family in the kitchen and baking!

1. Get them to prep with you!

Get your whole family in the kitchen and baking this Bake For Family Month

Start prepping as a family before B Day ;)

Don’t just assemble all the ingredients you need to start baking a cake and expect the fam to turn up and be all excited. Totally not happening! Build up the excitement and anticipation by getting them involved in choosing a recipe, shopping for ingredients and deciding on a day for your family bake off. That’ll get them all pumped up and looking forward to the day which has the whole family in the kitchen and baking.

2. When you have your whole family in the kitchen and baking, DON’T have unrealistic expectations

Get your inner Monica to take a chill pill, just this once! (Image Credit: theodysseyonline.com)

On the B Day ;), don’t channel your inner Monica and be all antsy about keeping things clean, organized and expecting perfection. Remember, when your whole family is in the kitchen and baking with you, your aim should be to create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Expect a little (or a lot of) mess- especially if there are young kids involved, some goof ups- and a whole lot of fun! You may even have some baking disasters to begin with and that’s all part of the family fun. Keep at it, and not only will you bond with each other, you will create great memories- and eventually some great bakes as well!

3. Set aside a specified day and time

Get everyone on board; set that date in stone!

If you really want to get your whole family in the kitchen and baking, you’re going to have to plan well in advance. Fix a day when all of you are available and have at least two hours on hand, pencil it into everybody’s calendars and make it clear that this is one family date nobody can miss! Even if you can do it only once in a month or two to begin with, be consistent. Eventually it will be a day everyone looks forward to and wishes would happen more often!

Do you have any family baking stories of your own that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!

7 Sure Shot Signs That You Are In A Serious Relationship: Find Out This Valentine’s Day!

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“Is this love…is this love…is this love, Is this love that I’m feelin’? I wanna know…wanna know…wanna know now! I got to know…got to know…got to know now!”

Wondering where your new relationship is headed? Find out this Valentine's Day! Read our fun post on 7 sure shot signs that you are in a serious relationship

So, is this the REAL thing?

We don’t know about Bob Marley and the Wailers, but if those are the lines zipping around your head as Valentine’s Day looms closer, we totally get you! There comes a time in relationships when the butterflies in your tummy, that often accompany a romantic crush, start turning into a serious flutter. But how do you tell whether the person that you’re seeing is more than just a casual date? How can you be sure that your fun dates are turning into something more serious? There are the more obvious signs of a relationship getting serious of course, like meeting the parents and serious ‘relationship conversations’. But if you haven’t quite gotten to that stage yet and still need a ‘sign’ whether this is the real thing, here are 7 sure shot signs that you are in a serious relationship:

Sign #1: There’s less pressure!

When things are kinda casual, it’s a sign they’re getting serious!

You wake up next to him or her in the morning and lean in for a kiss, without worrying about what your hair looks like! If you’re stressing less about stuff like what you should wear; when he or she last texted you; if you couldn’t care less whether you have make up on or not; or if you feel comfortable to have them around even when you’re feeling really sick…it’s a sign that things aren’t that casual any more. That’s the surprising (and kinda cute!) thing about relationships…the more serious things are getting between you, the more casual your relationship gets!

Sign #2: You’re friends with each other’s friends

You’re hanging out with each other’s friends!

When you start hanging out with each other’s friends, it’s a sign that not only are you approved and liked by his or her friends, you’re also becoming more involved in each other’s lives. As a bonus, getting to know each other’s friends is a way of really getting to know the person you’re dating even better.

Sign #3: You love hanging out together, even when you’re doing your own thing

Those long, comfortable silences? They’re a good thing!

Those long silences that stretch without the least bit of awkwardness? One of the sure shot signs that you are in a serious relationship! When both of you feel relaxed and happy in each other’s company, even when you aren’t doing stuff together or even necessarily talking for that matter, you know you have a good thing going.

Sign #4: You’re included in each other’s plans…without really thinking about it!

You include each other in plans on auto pilot

You know exactly what he or she did last week; when they have the next work trip and are jointly cussing that pesky office dinner over the weekend which won’t let the two of you hang out together. You include each other when you make plans, almost subconsciously. Even your friends expect the two of you to show up to events or places together. If you were nodding as you read all of the above, this one’s for the road! Yup, just one more of those signs that you are in a SERIOUS relationship.

Sign #5: You have a bunch of your stuff at each other’s places

His stuff is in your space…and it feels right!

You don’t really have to pack a bag any more when you plan to stay the night because you know that the stuff you need will already be at their place. Toothbrush? Spare clothes? Sorted. Deo? You can share theirs! What’s more, you’re both comfortable with each other’s stuff being around (you even like it!) and don’t get bugged or think it’s messing with your space.

Sign #6: You discuss the future together

You know its serious when you’re looking at the road ahead, together

When you’re dating someone casually, you’re almost obsessive about not discussing the future together because that’s exactly how you want things to remain- casual. It’s totally the other way round when you’re getting serious- you start discussing the future more, maybe even make plans together, because you know the other person is going to be around, not just for a month or two, but for a long, long time to come.

Sign #7: You know things about each other that very few people do

You’ve let each other into your private worlds

Irrational fears. Secret phobias. The one thing that really cheeses him or her off. Most embarrassing moment ever. If you know things most casual friends don’t, not only does it show the two of are connected at a deeper, more intimate level, it also means you’re letting each other into your most private worlds, one of the most knowing signs that you are in a serious relationship.

If most or all of the signs above struck a chord, you can be sure you’re in it for the long haul! Did you get any signs when you were dating your significant other that were a dead giveaway that things were getting serious? Tell us!

Related: Funky Gift Ideas For HER, This Valentine’s Day

Bake For Family Month is upon us!

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Can you guess why February is our favourite month of the year? Hint: it has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day, though we are suckers for romance 😉 Give up? It’s because February is ‘Bake For Family Month’! And we’re celebrating ALL of this month by having the Con Affetto Bake Off Party, where each member of our team gets a traditional family bake to work, for everyone to tuck into!

We're celebrating Bake For Family Month, an annual celebration created by the Home Baking Association all of February at Con Affetto

EVERYONE in the Con Affetto team is going to be baking up a storm this Bake For Family Month!

So it’s but natural that we’re FULL ON excited about Bake For Family Month, an annual celebration created by the Home Baking Association, to encourage families to spend time together baking- and having a blast while they’re at it! Baking can be incredibly uplifting and relaxing when done in your alone time, but when done in a group it can take you to a whole different zone. And when it’s done with close family and friends, it can be almost therapeutic! Here’s a look at why baking with family should be on your must-do list this baking season:

B for….Bonding!

Bake up some great family bonding moments together too :)

All that jazz about quality time with your loved ones? If that’s what you’re looking for, it doesn’t get better than baking together! Baking requires time and patience. It’s but natural that if you’re doing it with someone, you’re investing time and effort into creating something together. In the process you nurture and strengthen your bonds with each other, in the most delicious way imaginable

There’s something in it for everyone!

Even the family dog can play a part ;)

From toddlers to grandparents, everyone can help out in baking a scrummylicious cake; or a fun and funky pizza! From measuring ingredients (grandpa, with his penchant for being precise); to mixing the cake batter (the kids get to play a role here!) baking is an all inclusive affair. Even the family dog can play a part- licking the batter off the kitchen floor! 😉

You get to learn a lifelong skill…

Learning a life long skill that may even become a lifetime’s passion!

Yup, baking ain’t just fun and games! As anyone who is clueless about cooking; we’re talking about being unable to even boil an egg- there really are peeps like that out there!- will tell you, learning how to bake is an invaluable skill. And it’s a skill that will last you a lifetime. If acquired well, it can bring you great joy (not to mention delicious bakes!). And hey, if you get really good at it, you may even make it a lifelong passion!

Baking is SUPER for kids!

Can you think of a more fabulous- or delicious!- way to spend an afternoon with the young ‘uns?

Okay, there are reams and reams of research out there which prove beyond doubt that baking is a fabulous activity for families with kids to indulge in as often as possible. Not only does it get kids interested in trying healthy foods (carrot cake, anyone?), it gets children involved in the process of meal planning and learning about healthy ingredients, makes them feel included and accomplished by contributing something to the family meal and teaches several basic math and scientific principles. So get your kids around that oven already!

You’re creating more than just baked goodies…

You’re creating memories that will last a lifetime!

You’re creating beautiful memories that will not just last you for a lifetime; they will be even handed down for generations after! Think about it; are there any family recipes which have come to you from your great-great-grandmother’s time and are guarded like precious family heirlooms? Well, not only do you relive and recreate those memories from your grand mum’s kitchen every time you and your kids get together to bake, now you’re getting to create recipes and memories of your own. Which may someday be relished and loved by your great grandkids!

Baking together gets those creative juices flowing…

Get, set…bake! Baking unleashes creativity…did you know that cake pops were the result of a creative burst of inspiration?

Baking has been likened to a work of art and a good baker is akin to an artist. So it goes without saying that when you and your family get involved in baking you bring your individual personalities and talents to the entire process and feed off each others creativity. You can take that basic cake recipe and add your own creative flair to it. Who says you have to be a text book baker? In the process, you not only unleash your imagination, you amp up the entire creative process! Many epic desserts- think cake pops, or macarons!- have been created by imaginative and innovative bakers thinking outta the (cake) box!

Bake for family month will foster some awesome teamwork!

The home team in action!

We hope we’ve got you all revved up about spending time with the fam around that oven, baking up loads of happiness! Don’t forget to watch this space for more fun bake for family month activities– we have LOADS of awesome stuff we plan to serve up to you this month- fresh and hot from the oven, Con Affetto style 😉

Con Affetto’s Valentine’s Day Contest!

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“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.“ Charles M. Schulz.

Valentine's Day contest at Con Affetto, enter to win a Con Affetto bouquet worth Rs 1,550!

Celebrating the season of loooove!

And what if you could have both? It’s one of our favourite times of the year again and we’re celebrating with a funky Valentine’s Day Contest here at Con Affetto! Coz what better way to celebrate the season of love than by spreading a whole lot of love (and chocolate!) around, right?!

Get closer to your Valentine with our fab contest!

So gear up and get set for the dreamiest Valentine’s Day ever, coz we are SO going to make all your Valentine dreams come true this year!

Everyone has that image of the perfect Valentine’s Day with the love of their lives. It could be a picnic under the stars or breakfast in bed; lounging around in pajamas all day and ODing on Netflix….or an all out, extravagant gift that screams ROMANCE!

Is a dreamy day at the beach your idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day?

Well, whatever it is that makes YOUR heart go boom boom boom!, all you need to do this Valentine’s Day is tell us and we’re gonna make it happen! Yes, it really is that simple. Hooked, booked and ready to rock this V Day boat? Read on for our easy as pie contest rules below:

CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! Con Affetto’s Valentine’s Day Contest! Be there or be square 😉

Step One:

Simble! ‘Like’ us on Facebook! Here we are!

Step Two:

Check out our Valentine’s Day Contest on Facebook here and tell us YOUR idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day.

Step Three:

Simbler! We will pick the top TWO most fun, funky, quirky replies and announce them on our Facebook page on 10^th February (mark that date!)

Step Four:

Now for the fun part! For the two winners, we will convey YOUR idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day to your Valentine, so that he or she can go all out to turn that dreamy Valentine Day into reality come February 14! What’s more you and your Valentine get one complimentary bouquet of Valentine’s Special, our exclusive new cake pop bouquet worth Rs 1,550!

Make it a swoon worthy Valentine with our exclusive new cake pop bouquet!

Step Five:

Bonus! Those lucky peeps will be featured on our blog as the Con Affetto Cutest Couple!

That’s it! And the contest starts….hey, wait! It’s happening already! So head over to the Con Affetto page on Facebook RIGHT NOW and join the party! It’s going to be a Valentine’s Day like no other with Con Affetto

*Contest is on in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida only *Contest will be on till February 10, 2016 *Winners will be chosen at the sole discretion of Con Affetto *The contest is not associated with Facebook in any way

Funky Gift Ideas For Her, This Valentine’s Day

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Tick tock…tick tock… Gentlemen, we hope you have your eyes on the clock! It’s 2^nd February and that day is looming on the horizon…You know which day we mean, right? The day when the love of your life would like to feel a little extra special, a little more pampered than usual and would like to be reminded of how she really IS the only one for you. You guessed right…Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and we hope you’ve got your game plan ready, guys!

Check out our funky gift ideas for the special girl in your life

The season of LOVE is back :)

And because we know just how important (and how challenging!) it is to make every Valentine’s Day memorable & meaningful for the love of your life, this Valentine’s Day we have a special V Day launch just for all you awesome guys. Yes, you heard that right! Presenting an exclusive new Con Affetto launch….wait for it….*DRUM ROLL*…

The Valentine’s Special Cake Pop Bouquet: An Exclusive, All New Con Affetto Launch!

Make it a swoon worthy Valentine with our exclusive new cake pop bouquet!

Remember, you heard it here first! Valentine’s Special: a gorgeous and absolutely swoon worthy arrangement of crimson red and sunshine-y yellow flowers playing peek-a-boo with the most scrumptious cake pops your taste buds would have the good fortune of letting melt all over ’em…sigh! So quit Googling the best online flower and cake delivery options in your city this Valentine’s Day and gift your gal this delightful little taste of spring encased in cake pop velvet, instead. And then sit back and watch all those regular, boring flower bouquets wilt in comparison (and envy 😉 ). Bonus: You get to share some of these droolsome treats with your girl, while the other guys, erm, get to watch their flowers wilt *evil laughter*

Our fabulous new Valentine’s Special bouquet will feature on our website real soon; in the meantime feel free to drool all over our other scrummylicious bouquets 😉

Check out our funky gift ideas for the special girl in your life. Edible bouquets are a great gifting option for Valentines Day!

Your special someone will be spoilt for choice with our gorgeous edible bouquets!

And while we’re talking ways to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable and meaningful day for your girl, here are some of our specially curated, funky gift ideas for her, that will make her fall in love with you- all over again! Whether your girl is the mushy sort or the ‘I care two hoots about Valentine’s Day’ cynic, our funky gift ideas for her, oozing with romance, will be sure to blow her away this V-Day. After all no girl is immune to true blue romance, especially when it’s straight from the heart and comes with a quirky twist! Read on:

1. A ‘Book of Love’….written by YOU!

Funky gift ideas for her! A personalized book of love

Write your way into her heart this Valentine’s Day… (Image Courtesy: Uncommon Goods, link below)

Want her to know how your love for her will go on for eternity? Capture those emotions in words that will last forever, by penning a book for her! Before you break out in a sweat, check out this sweet little book from Uncommon Goods that takes all your deepest sentiments and cutesy moments and translates them into words for your love…in the most effortless, fun way possible! Yup you’re on your way to best-selling author land all right and you sure will write your way into the heart of your very special reader!

2. A funky gift for her to prove your love can be priceless…

Funky gift ideas for her! A personalized wallet insert

Your love is…priceless! (Image Courtesy: www.etsy.com)

Money can’t buy love right? Yeah, but it sure can act as a reminder of your love…right in your lady love’s wallet! This quirky yet ultra romantic metal wallet insert- with your personalized image and message- will remind her of how priceless your love truly is, each time she whips out her wallet. Yup, there are some things that money can’t buy, and this gift will work as a constant reminder of that

3. Tareekh pe tareekh!

Funky gift ideas for her! A personalized wall calendar

All those dates…easy as pie 😉 (Image Courtesy: Vistaprint, link below)

Does your girl often crib about how you never remember the day you first met, or when you first kissed, or when you proposed to her, or when she first told you what you mean to her, or when…gaaah! Is your head spinning already? We don’t blame you… remembering all those dates can be CRAZY, but that’s exactly what some girls expect you to do! Now, don’t just remember all those dates, set them down in stone (um, print) with these fantabulous personalized calendars from Vistaprint. You don’t just get to customize every month of the year with cutesy pics of the two of you, you can put every goddamn date in there- from your first gift to her to the first kiss and make up after the first fight 😉 Now all you have to do is get all the info on all those dates from your girl (yup, girls remember everything) without her guessing why!

4. Put a ring on it…

Funky gift ideas for her! A personalized initial ring in sterling silver, rose filled gold or gold

Put a ring on it! (Image Courtesy: www.etsy.com)

The two of you together, forever? Sealed with a kiss, and engraved in gold? Put a ring on it, guys! This bee-yoo-tiful two initial ring in sterling silver or gold, will do just that. You can put in your girl’s birthstone and a special message from you to go with it as well. Trust us, this is one ring she won’t want to take off anytime soon!

We hope our funky gift ideas for her have you feeling inspired, gentlemen! Your love may be timeless but time, tide and..er, Valentine’s Day wait for none…the countdown to V-Day has begun so take your pick and get going already!

For more inspiration check our some of our other super cool and oh so romantic ideas here!

7 New Year’s Resolutions Every Couple Should Make

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There’s no time better than December to reflect on the year gone by and start thinking about what lies ahead. If you’re like us (and most other peeps!) it’s also the time when you start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Before you start feeling bummed about the age old New Year’s resolutions you’ve been making and breaking every year (lose weight on your list?), listen to this! This New Year, why not make your New Year’s resolutions as a couple? Think about it. Making your resolutions with your partner will mean you have something to work on together, as a team. And as a bonus you get to create some wonderful memories while you’re at it! Sounds like a plan? Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions you (and every sensible couple 😉 ) should make:

1. Sweat it out together…

Give your New Year's resolutions for 2016 a quirky spin and make your resolutions as a couple this year

The road to fitness can be fun with your partner along for the ride!

Why look for a fitness buddy elsewhere when you can get fit and fab with your partner? With everyone and their aunt riding the fitness wave, there’s no better time to jump onto the fitness bandwagon. So after you’re done being wasted at this year’s New Year bash (it’s New Year’s, it’s allowed!), pick your favourite couple fitness activity and get going!

2. Bake as a couple

Let’s raise a toast to some fabulous ‘couple bakes’ in the New Year ;)

Did you know that cooking together as a couple can strengthen your relationship? And baking is even better coz it means you get to dish out some fabulous grub without slaving over a hot stove- that’s the oven’s job!

Looking for some fabulous recipes to begin your foray into baking? Take a look at our recipe selection here.

3. Be nice, not nasty!

Criticize less, compliment more!

When you’ve been in a comfortable relationship for a while you can tend to nag, nag, nag….Sounds familiar? Make a New Year’s resolution to be nice instead. The next time you feel compelled to criticize your partner, pay them a compliment instead!

Related: 15 Surprising Benefits of Being in a Romantic Relationship!

4. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug…

Hugs, cuddles, kisses aplenty…one of the best parts of being in a relationship!

No, we haven’t suddenly lost the plot; we’re still talking New Year’s resolutions! Cuddling, kissing and hugging- for no reason at all!- are great ways to keep the spark alive in your relationship. Baby steps- start with a ‘good morning hug’ soon’s you open your eyes and a ‘welcome back kiss’ when you walk thru the door from work- and take it from there!

5. Break some bad together!

Make a couples pact to get rid of some unwanted baggage this New Year!

Um, we’re talking bad habits, of course! Whether it’s smoking, gorging on junk or yapping too much on WhatsApp (guilty!), pick one habit, make a couples pact and resolve to break it together!

6. Don’t forget to play!

Pillow fight, anyone? :)

Yes, play! And we’re not talking organized sport (though you can do that as well!), we mean silly, non serious stuff. Stuff like pillow fights, talking in funny voices or inventing a language only the two of you understand. Use your imagination; even if you can’t think of anything, you’ll still have loads of fun being silly!

7. Shhhhh…

Sit back, relax, LISTEN!

L.I.S.T.E.N. Seriously, if there is just ONE thing you decide to do together as a couple, let it be this one. Okay, straight after the bake together one 😉 Active, mindful listening is NOT easy, but it truly is the best thing you can do for your relationship. So, the next time your partner’s sharing stuff with you, stop what you’re doing, look them in the eye and listen up.

Need some help with the listening? Try our fun challenge, it’ll be half the battle won!

Here’s to happy New Year’s resolution making and stronger, fabulous and fun relationships!

15 Surprising Benefits of Being in a Romantic Relationship

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We hope this post finds you savouring the after-taste of a fantabulous festive season! We also hope you remember a little contest we ran here a couple of weeks ago. 21 days to be precise. Yes, we are talking about the 21 Day Challenge to Romance Your Wife! Now we didn’t exactly get a response from you guys (yes, we know you’re out there reading- say hi will ya 😉 ) but we’re guessing it’s because you’re too…um, busy. But we do want you to know that there are some surprising benefits of being in a romantic relationship. So those 15 minutes we’d asked you to invest each day, actually translate into 15 tangible good-for-you’s! Curious? Read on!

1. Being in a romantic relationship amps up those feel good chemicals

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is the release of feel good chemicals in your brain

Get those feel good chems soaring!

Think dopamine and testosterone! One of the many benefits of being in a romantic relationship, especially one that is long term and committed, is the boosting of these feel good chemicals that are seriously good for your well being.

2. You live longer

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is that you live longer

You’ll live to see so many golden sunsets together!

No kidding! Numerous studies have found that married men live longer than men who never married or those whose marriages ended. And it doesn’t stop there, they also tend to have better lifestyles and fitness levels. Just think about all the good those 15 minutes can do for ya!

3. You also get rich!

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is that you accumulate more wealth over time

Good for your heart…and your credit card ;)

And we are backed by research here, which shows that married people accumulate more wealth over time compared to singles or divorced people. Good news for you and your credit card, huh?

4. One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship = less stress

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is less stress

You and your heart are in very good (and stress free) hands!

Guess what? Having a special someone in your life has an overall calming effect that’s good for you. One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is lower cortisol levels (or the stress hormone) which can protect you from the harmful effects of stress.

5. You get to max your free time

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is that you get to have a go to partner in your free time always by your side

Chill out…with someone special, always by your side

You may enjoy your alone time, but let’s face it, it’s so much more fun to be around someone you love during your spare time. Whether it’s fun, leisure, hobbies or just plain ‘ol hanging out, being in a romantic relationship means you have a 24/7 go-to partner for whatever it is you want to do in your free time!

6. You have an in-built emotional support system

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is that you have an in built emotional support system

An emotional support system like no other

While women are more likely to have numerous people they can turn to for emotional support, men tend to rely more solely on their partners. Which is why being in a romantic relationship can mean an awesome emotional support system, in turn boosting psychological health benefits.

7. You have fewer mental health issues

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is that you have fewer mental health issues

Holding your hand through sickness and health…

Yeah, we know what you’re thinking. You wife drives you crazy sometimes! But on a serious note, one of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is significantly fewer mental health problems like depression, anxiety and mood disorders. That would be fifteen minutes well worth the effort, eh? 😉

8. Being in a romantic relationship means less pain…

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is less pain

Love hurts? Quite the opposite in fact!

Does love hurt? That may be the popular notion, but in reality one of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is being better able to cope with physical pain as well as faster healing, as proven by numerous research studies.

9….and long term happiness

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is long term happiness

Raise a toast to happiness…forever!

Romantic relationships can be a lot like wine, in that they get better as you age:) There is evidence that being in a romantic relationship, especially one that is long term is a big happiness booster and promotes feelings of contentment and emotional security.

10. Another one of those surprising benefits of being in a romantic relationship? It lowers your BP!

One of the benefits of being in a long term relationship is it's good for your blood pressure

Know what else? It’s good for your BP!

The evidence is out there; being in a romantic relationship is good for your blood pressure! It has to be a happy, committed relationship to make the cut, but of course.

11. You get fewer colds

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is better immunity to colds and flus

Even better than adrak chai ;)

Think we’re crazy? Listen to this: being in a romantic relationship can reduce stress, anxiety and depression and up positive emotions, giving your immune system a natural boost and leaving you fighting fit to battle those nasty cold viruses. Nothing to sneeze at!

12. It is great for your self perception!

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is it's great for your self perception

No need for an ego boost, you’ve got it made!

It’s simple, being with someone who loves you, makes you feel good about yourself. And over a period of time you internalize your partner’s positive judgements of you.

13. You pick up on each other’s good habits

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is you pick up on each others good habits

You can piggyback on each others good habits!

The company you keep can also be good for your health:) Being in a romantic relationship translates into picking up each other’s good habits, whether it’s being more conscientious about money or visiting the dentist regularly.

14. You build a lifetime memory bank

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is a lifetime of shared memories

A lifetime of memories to cherish…together

One of the great parts of building a life together is the wonderful memories and shared experiences you can look back on together with time. These not just promote happiness but can also act as tools for personal and relationship growth.

15. You have a personal cheerleader!

One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship is you have someone constantly cheering you on and catching you when you fall

You get to have your very own cheerleader!

Someone who constantly reassures you, knows you intimately, can be a best friend-guide-cum critic and not just that, can correct your mistakes and biases as a result of knowing you over a period of time. As the song goes, it cannot get better than this!

So there you have it! 15 great reasons to invest those 15 minutes each day. So even if we don’t hear from you (but we’d really, really like to!) we’re hoping you do invest that time to get the most out of your relationship with your partner.

B for….Bonding!

There’s something in it for everyone!

Baking together gets those creative juices flowing…

Fosters some awesome teamwork!

You may also like: 10 Must Have Baking Essentials Every Home Baker Needs

#1: Take a walk down memory lane this Raksha Bandhan

#2: Celebrate this Raksha Bandhan at an amusement park

#3 Planning a last minute Raksha Bandhan and don’t know what to do? Try a movie marathon!

#4 Celebrate this Raksha Bandhan in your pajamas!

#5 Long distance Rakha Bandhan? Raise a toast…virtually!

“Trends Forecaster. Hunter of fashion and tech moments. Travel Photographer…”

Without any further ado, in conversation with Shehla Meezan…

Welcome to the blog Shehla! We’d love, love, LOVE to know a little more about you!

You’re a fabulous trends forecaster with a keen sense of the global fashion industry. Tell us a little about your journey?

What have been your biggest challenges and achievements so far? Personal and professional…

Your family sounds incredibly supportive. Can you tell us a little more about them?

That sounds like so much fun Families and festivals always remind us of gifting! What’s your take on gifting?

We agree Okay, one last question. You’ve been a valued Con Affetto client for some time now. So…*blush blush*…what’s your take on us?

1. Get them to prep with you!

2. When you have your whole family in the kitchen and baking, DON’T have unrealistic expectations

3. Set aside a specified day and time

You may also like: 10 Must Have Baking Essentials Every Home Baker Needs

Sign #1: There’s less pressure!

Sign #2: You’re friends with each other’s friends

You may also like: 15 Surprising Benefits of Being in a Romantic Relationship!

Sign #3: You love hanging out together, even when you’re doing your own thing

Sign #4: You’re included in each other’s plans…without really thinking about it!

Sign #5: You have a bunch of your stuff at each other’s places

You may also like: 10 Things Your Boyfriend is Thinking, But Will Never Tell you!

Sign #6: You discuss the future together

Sign #7: You know things about each other that very few people do

Related: Funky Gift Ideas For HER, This Valentine’s Day

B for….Bonding!

There’s something in it for everyone!

You get to learn a lifelong skill…

Baking is SUPER for kids!

You’re creating more than just baked goodies…

Baking together gets those creative juices flowing…

Bake for family month will foster some awesome teamwork!

You may also like: 10 Must Have Baking Essentials Every Home Baker Needs

CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST! Con Affetto’s Valentine’s Day Contest! Be there or be square 😉

Step One:

Simble! ‘Like’ us on Facebook! Here we are!

Step Two:

Check out our Valentine’s Day Contest on Facebook here and tell us YOUR idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day.

Step Three:

Simbler! We will pick the top TWO most fun, funky, quirky replies and announce them on our Facebook page on 10th February (mark that date!)

Step Four:

Step Five:

Bonus! Those lucky peeps will be featured on our blog as the Con Affetto Cutest Couple!

The Valentine’s Special Cake Pop Bouquet: An Exclusive, All New Con Affetto Launch!

1. A ‘Book of Love’….written by YOU!

2. A funky gift for her to prove your love can be priceless…

3. Tareekh pe tareekh!

4. Put a ring on it…

1. Sweat it out together…

2. Bake as a couple

Looking for some fabulous recipes to begin your foray into baking? Take a look at our recipe selection here.

3. Be nice, not nasty!

4. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug…

6. Don’t forget to play!

7. Shhhhh…

Need some help with the listening? Try our fun challenge, it’ll be half the battle won!

1. Being in a romantic relationship amps up those feel good chemicals

2. You live longer

3. You also get rich!

4. One of the benefits of being in a romantic relationship = less stress

5. You get to max your free time

6. You have an in-built emotional support system

7. You have fewer mental health issues

8. Being in a romantic relationship means less pain…

9….and long term happiness

10. Another one of those surprising benefits of being in a romantic relationship? It lowers your BP!

11. You get fewer colds

12. It is great for your self perception!

13. You pick up on each other’s good habits

14. You build a lifetime memory bank

15. You have a personal cheerleader!

We agree Okay, one last question. You’ve been a valued Con Affetto client for some time now. So…blush blush…what’s your take on us?

Simbler! We will pick the top TWO most fun, funky, quirky replies and announce them on our Facebook page on 10^th February (mark that date!)