What started off as an experiment – a desperate attempt to piece together beads and chains from various broken necklaces in time for a dinner party – has flourished into a passion.   Chanchu George now creates and exhibit jewelry made with precious stones and Bali silver. Her passion turned out to become the store ‘Serendipity’.

After initially researching and studying the techniques and styles of various designers, Chanchu started creating her own unique pieces.  The challenge to make each piece of jewelry distinct – not a repeat or a copy – is what she relishes and keeps her going. It makes Chanchu’s designs unconventional; sometimes quirky; but always beautiful

“This characteristic of my designs is what most people commented on during my exhibitions. People feel that the jewelry are great party wear and my clients get that special feeling knowing that they are the only ones in the world to wear a particular ornament (or the only one until it is copied). They say that others at parties they go to take note of the necklace or earring they wear because of its uniqueness; this make my clients feel great and I, in turn, get a sense of accomplishment”, says Chanchu, owner of ‘Serendipity’.

Chanchu’s jewelry is hand crafted personally, and it’s not possible to mass produce them. Some pieces take more than a week to complete and many a times she rework’s them until they are perfect to her. Moreover the materials she uses are personally sourced as well.

“I use only precious stones like jade, amethyst, coral, onyx, turquoise, pearls, lapis lazuli and carnelian. To reduce the price of my jewelry I use Bali silver – it’s cheaper and extremely versatile – although I do use real silver on occasion and on request.  The prices of my earrings range from Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 and the necklaces range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000”, adds Chanchu.

The last exhibition of the year on December 16 is in BTH Pardarshan Hall from 8am to 9pm.

The new exhibition in town to shop for saris and salwars is happening at BTH Samsar Hall. An exhibition hosted by the brand ‘Istaa’, there is a wide variety of materials to choose from here. From maheswari, georgette, crepe, chiffon, kotta, silk cotton and more, you can check out variety apparels hosted by the organizers.

Istaa is a brand that has been known for their classy collections and unique designs. Designer saris and salwars are available here. So with the festive season hitting town, all ladies in Kochi would surely want to try this one.

The exhibition is happening from the 6^th December to 8^th December 2012. You can drop in anytime between 9. 30 a.m to 8.00 p.m. For details, contact them at 98460 42833. Make sure you don’t miss this one.

If you are in the mood to ‘go veggie’ this monsoon, check out the food fest happening at BTH. The Grilled Food Fest began on the 29^th of June, and will be on till the 8^th of July 2012. From delicious grilled sandwiches with fillings of Paneer Tikka Masala, Aloo Masala, Shredded Vegetable Masala and more, there is a wide variety for you to indulge in. The fest is happening at the Kempu restaurant of BTH at Durbar Hall Road.

For more details and reservations, call them at 0484- 2353501. You can also e-mail them at info@bharathotel.in.

The Thread ‘n’ Needle outlet in Kochi needs no introduction. They host some lovely salwars and saris at good rates, and if you love shopping, you would’ve visited their store. We have some good news! Thread ‘n’ Needle is hosting an exhibition cum sale at BTH at DH Road. The exhibition will happen on the 4^th and 5^th of May 2012 at Samsar and Pradarshan Hall at BTH.

You can check out some lovely kurtis, dupattas, bottoms (leggings and patialas), silk and cotton fabrics, underskirts and night wears, and more. They are hosting some pretty accessories too. You would fall in love with the temple jewelry collection that they have!

You can get something for your home too. Bedspreads, table cloths and mats are also available at the exhibition.

Drop in between 9.30 a.m and 8.30 p.m. Make sure you own one of those goodies in sale!

So is your Christmas shopping happening in full swing? Here is another reason to shop till you drop. The ‘Tharang’ sale happening at Samsar Hall, BTH is a sale you would not want to miss. Their grand Christmas sale has hit town, and make sure you drop in to grab the best products. The sale is conducted by 12 entrepreneurs.

You can check out some awesome block-printed, embroidered saris, designer wear saris, and more. So if you want to do some salwar shopping, they have got some good collection for that too. From cotton (which is the in-thing in fashion now) to Tussar, Silk, Kota, Crepe, the list is long. There are Kurtis and stylish clothes which you can pick.

You can shop for your home too. Deck it up this Christmas season. They have a lovely collection of table mats, bed spreads etc. The fest is happening for three days and will be on till 20^th. You can drop in between 9.30 a.m and 8.30 p.m.

If you are in the mood for some chat, we have news for you. Kochi’s most sought after vegetarian restaurant BTH is hosting a Chaat festival where you can relish some yummy chaats at the bet rates. The chaat festival is on from the 16^th – 23^rd of December 2011. Enjoy some real yummy chaats sitting in one of the best restaurants in Kochi.

Bhel Puris, Golguppas, Dahi Bhallas, Vada Pav, Pav Bhajji, Sev Puri and more. All waiting to be served on your plate! You don’t have to stand at the roadside waiting for your chaats, as they are being served right here at BTH. You can have some lovely moments sitting at the restaurant with friends and family too. Who would want to miss this one!?

Make sure you drop in at the restaurant anytime between 3.30 p.m and 8 p.m. The chaats are all yours! J

Christmas sale seems to be gearing up full-fledged in the city. Clothes, accessories, everything is fetching a huge market now. So have you been waiting to do some Christmas shopping? Then we have a nice suggestion to make. Try out the exhibition-cum-sale happening at BTH (Bharat Tourist Home), and you can get hold of some pretty clothes to wear this Christmas.

The sales that happen at BTH makes sure that customers are treated with the best quality products at the best rates. This time too, they are keeping up their standards through the exhibition ‘Diya’! They have an exclusive collection of handpicked, elegant salwar materials, ethnic clothes, kurtis, duppattas in silks, cottons, and more. They have clothes made from Chanders, Maheswaris, Brocades, Kalamkari etc.

The exhibition will be on for three days- 10^th December to 12^th December 2011. The sale begins at 10 a.m., and you can drop in till 9 p.m. You can contact them at 8893888001 or 9388888001.

Everybody loves the beauty of flowers and plants. They can elevate our moods and influence our temperament. When flowers and plants are brought indoors they can lead to a spring time of serenity, beauty and happiness in our lives. So have you been trying to get some great looking flowers or plans to decorate your home or garden? Then we bring you some good news!

Eternal Blooms is holding an exhibition cum sale of preserved flowers, preserved plants & dry flowers too. These are natural flowers and plants harvested at their prime, when they are at their most beautiful stage of life and processed by their unique method. The processing is done with harmless biodegradable materials, and it enhances their life by many months or years, without losing their natural look and liveliness. In certain flowers and plants, natural food colours have been added to help them retain the colour.

The exhibition will be held at Samsar Hall, BT, Durbar hall Road. The exhibition will begin on the 4^th of December and will be on till the 6^th of December 2011.

At Eternal Blooms, they specialize in preserving natural flowers and plants and preparing them to adorn your rooms for a longer period of time. We hardly find exhibitions that showcase products like flowers and plans, and this is one-of-its kind initiative. They have customers from various walks of life. From Corporate clients to the hospitality industry and more, their customer list is long. Eternal Blooms have promised to show some of the best plans and flowers. So don’t miss this one Kochi!