Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge – Much Ado About Everything

February 15, 2016February 16, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 11 Comments

Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge, thank you – I get to publish these photos that I have been clinging on to, not being sure if I wanted to Instagram them or post them on Facebook. Ain’t I glad to be in the blogging world where there is always a corner to publish our thoughts?

This one here was clicked at a restaurant called Chennai Express in the Chennai city airport. Metal trunks of days when people lugged these heavy luggage boxes into trains and buses. You either had to be an Arnold Schwarzenegger or you needed a porter to carry them on their heads. Nice way to customise one’s trunks with those painted flowers on them. And then we have kettles and metal canisters in which grain was stored in quantities. Neatly stacked up on an antique wooden box. My mood was upbeat being Mumbai-bound and this visual only added to it.

metal trunks, cannisters, kettles and antique wooden box at Chennai Express restaurant in the city airport

Old world charm with metal trunks, canisters and kettles and an antique wooden trunk

Candle stands, spoons and bowls made of wood that I bought in Kerala, a southern state in India. My husband and I fought over these – we had excess baggage and I insisted on bringing these home.

Candle stands, spoons and bowls made of wood from Kerala

Clicked on a busy shopping street in Mumbai, India – a needy boy paid to spread cheer with his balloons. It tugged at my heart to see boys his age buy balloons from him and swish them into the air merrily while this lad had no right over any one of the balloons.

A needy boy sells balloons to make his living

This is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, one of the finest functional railway station buildings of the world and is used by more than three million commuters every day. Designed by F W Stevens, it spawns across a 2.85 hectare area and took more than 10 years to be completed having started in 1878. The style of the architecture is Victorian Gothic Revival and is the coming together of two cultures, British architects working with Indian craftsmen to infuse Indian architectural tradition, making it unique to Mumbai, then called Bombay. The terminus remains lit beautifully from early evening till late into midnight. From the harsh light of the cameras to the soothingly lit Victoria Terminus. A mood change.

The beautiful Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly called Victoria Terminus

I have memories linked to this photo. It is a shooting spot in Mumbai where a Hollywood movie was being filmed. The place that was teeming with actors, cameramen, makeup artists and tons of apparatus suddenly took on a bare look as the director wrapped up the filming and I couldn’t help but capture the mood of transience. I also loved the early evening sunlight streaming in.

A shooting spot in Mumbai

This is the Heliconia Golden Torch species of flowers from India that I found in a resort in Mysore of South India. Who would have the heart to delete this photo ?

Vibrant Heliconia Torch Gold flowers from India

Lush green lawn grass strewn with flowers. No man made pattern this. I marvelled at the symmetry of nature when I clicked this picture fit to be made a wallpaper on smartphones.

A carpet of lush green lawn grass with flowers strewn by Nature from the nearby tree

Feels good to have made use of the photographs. Hope you all like them. Leave behind a comment, I would love to know.

Ciao !

Wildlife Photography ‘Moods Of Wildlife’ Through The Lens Of Dilip Chacko

February 7, 2016May 15, 2017 / mythoughtlane / 2 Comments

Innocent and vulnerable. Playful yet ferocious. A little kindness here, a trifle killer instinct there. Call it their moods – Moods of Wildlife. Beasts are beautiful and they are endowed with emotions too like the Homo sapiens. Only a lucky few, those that have the sensitivity get a peek into wildlife emotions. The closest I got to was in the Kabini Reserve Forest in India. Beholding the fatherly instinct of an elephant that herded his baby into the cover of the forest and would not budge from our way till the baby disappeared into the thickets. And as he swayed his huge form to follow his child, he turned around one last time and in those tiny eyes I thought I could see relief.

This is not the elephant I encountered, but the photography of the artist Dilip John Chacko featured below.

Matriarch herd leader Timbavati Reserve South Africa

Matriarch, the herd leader at Timbavati Reserve, South Africa

Wildlife fascinates me no end, but I didn’t ever think I would get an opportunity to feature Moods of Wildlife. The Sandalwood Room provided me that. I hope this is the beginning and I get to explore my interest further. These gorgeous photo prints are on exhibition and sale at The Sandalwood Room.

The wildlife photography that follows is the work of the avid amateur wildlife photographer Dilip John Chacko, whose interest and passion for wildlife was kindled at a very young and impressionable age. He accompanied his father on two safaris at a tender age, days when safaris were primitive and tough. He braved it all and got wedded to a lifetime of passion for wildlife conservation. India and South Africa seem to be his favourite haunts.

Tigress Machli at Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, India

Tigress Machli chilling out at Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, India

This adorable tigress Machli is so called since she has a fish-shaped mark on her face. Machali in Hindi translates to fish. She is also known as the Lady of the Lake, rightfully so. See, animals have their favourite spots too and they like solitude! I would give anything to find out what goes on in their minds in their private moments! Machli is the most photographed tigress in India, she seems to have earned the privilege. Her fight with a 14 feet crocodile is the most talked about encounter amongst wildlife enthusiasts; in fact the first to be recorded and filmed.

Now this is probably called testing the waters. Here is a sub adult tiger doing just that perhaps.

A sub adult tiger at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve

A tigress and her cub seem to be caught up in a tender moment. This photograph brings to my mind the cat stretch that we are told to do at the gyms, except that even a dancer cannot be as graceful as the feline.

A tigress and her cub at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve

A crouching tiger does not always pounce and leap, it could just be quenching its thirst.

The tigress lapping up water at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve

This one certainly stalking her prey. Padding softly and silently.

A tigress stalking her prey at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Reserve, India

Bringing a bit of relief from the fierce and the ferocious are these gentle chitals drinking from a pond. The lens of Dilip Chacko capturing the images of the chitals beautifully in the water.

A herd of chitals at the Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve, India

This cheetah is certainly not doing what you think it is. Not roaring but probably yawning. Did you know cheetahs cannot roar? They growl and hiss and make a few other bleat kind of noises. Would you laugh at me if I said they chirp? They do, check it out on here, but mind you the chirps can be heard for miles!

A cheetah and her cub at the Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa

A cheetah and her languid cub at the Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa

Do beasts enjoy the cool blow of air on their faces? Looks like they do going by the stance of this lion and its mane being swept gently across its neck and head.

An alpha male at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Coming back to the artist, Dilip Chacko does two safaris every year. In 2010, he was privileged to go to Africa on a training trip working with two National Geographic professionals on how to shoot wildlife on the field. He was one of twelve amateur photographers selected for this programme. The photographs that he sent in from his earlier trips were his passport to an experience that will never be erased from his memory.

He is on board for several panel discussions of Aircel and Sanctuary Asia.

The Paper:

Matte : Hahnemuhle photo rag 308 gsm

Glossy: Hahnemuhle photo silk rag 308 gsm

Photo Rag is the most popular paper chosen by photographers to create high quality fine art prints. The fine, smooth surface and feel of Photo Rag lends versatility to the paper, making it ideal for printing both, black and white and colour photographs. Art reproductions on this paper make for impressive pictorial depth. They are archival quality papers.

Catch these Moods of Wildlife at The Sandalwood Room. The title Moods of Wildlife is my encapsulation of the photographs and not assigned by the artist or The Sandalwood Room. That is the way I have envisaged while writing about the photographs. The photo prints are available in specific sizes, but can be customised to suit your requirements.

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. It is a boutique for those who love the finer things of life and you can unwind and feel pampered. In a store like this and for the kind of products they retail in, the touch and feel factor makes a big difference. So best to walk in and feel the experience.

If you have liked any of these photo prints , walk in and if you wish to place an order, email them and The Sandalwood Room will be happy to take the order and courier the item to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Phone : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Chest Exercises – Know How To Engage Chest Muscles For Better Toning

February 2, 2016February 3, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 2 Comments

Think Fit III Form + Weight Training = Body Sculpting

Well shaped shoulders and arms, a taut chest and a head held erect. Picture this in your mind’s eye. Does someone come to your mind ? Do you see confidence and a certain dignity in this person’s bearing ? If so, you can relate it to the description in the first sentence of my article.

This is a third in the series of my articles on how Form and Technique are key factors in making muscle training/weight lifting efficient and effective. Please do read the entire first article in the series and the first portion of the second before you proceed to this one.

Toned chest muscles are important for both men and women. While men enjoy showing off taut chests, women may for reasons of being endowed in the way they are, not be so comfortable doing that. Nevertheless firm chest muscles are a result of hard work and add to the way you look and carry yourself. They also play a big role in all your push and pull movements in your daily life. There is no denying that and hence no ignoring.

A myth I would like to clear here. A friend at the gym came up to me sometime ago and asked if breast sizes would decrease with weight lifting. To her and to many others who think so, my answer would be : weight lifting/muscle training will only firm chest muscles and not let them sag with the onset of advanced age.

Here are a few chest muscle exercises I have listed and have detailed the form and technique in doing them right. But before that a look at the Chest ( pectoralis major ) Muscle structure. Chest muscles are composed of upper, middle and lower fibers, being a major muscle group in the body.

This is not to say that certain chest exercises completely target only one or the other. Exercises for upper chest fibers will always involve the lower chest to some extent and vice versa.

Remember to keep your tummy tucked in at all times and stand with legs hip width apart , soft on knees.
Keep your shoulders down and relaxed at all times. Working out the muscles is quite different from tensing the muscles.
Beginners can avoid attaching plates to the barbell. Do so as you progress.

Bench Press : Engage the chest muscles.

Flat Bench Press with dumbbells

Flat Bench Press with barbell

Form : Lying back down on the bench with your feet flat on the ground, hold the dumbbells/barbell above your chest, with palms facing the ceiling and slightly wider than the shoulders.

Technique : Push the dumbbells/barbell up towards the ceiling while consciously engaging (pushing with) the chest muscles rather than the shoulders or the arms. As you do more repetitions, you will feel the chest muscles quivering lightly, when properly engaged. Remember to keep the elbows soft and at shoulder level when you lower the barbell towards your chest. Similarly, remember to keep the barbell right above your chest when you raise it rather than taking it above the mid chest level. Engage the chest muscle mind fully by contracting them. Here, the anterior deltoids and tricep muscles get worked too incidentally. This exercise can be done on the machine too, but it is advisable to take the help of a trainer.

Incline Bench Press : Engage the chest muscles.

Incline Bench Press with dumbbells

Incline Bench Press with barbell

Form : Start with resting your back fully against the inclined bench and your feet flat on the ground.

Technique : Hold the dumbbells/barbell at shoulder level on both sides, elbows at 90 degrees and push the weights up without locking the elbows. The upper fibers of the chest muscles and the anterior deltoids get worked most. The lower fibers will feel the load , but at a lesser level.

Decline Bench Press : Engage the chest muscles.

Decline Bench Press with dumbbells

Decline Bench Press with barbell

Form : Lie down with your back fully rested against the declined bench, your feet firmly supported by the foot-rest. Hold the dumbbells/barbell slightly wider than shoulder width.

Technique : Push the weights up against the ceiling as you would in the regular Bench Press. Fitness experts do not recommend this exercise for beginners. Those at the intermediate or advanced level of fitness can do this. The middle and the lower fibers get worked most.

~~People with low blood pressure issues, please avoid this exercise.~~

Flat Bench Flys : Engage the chest muscles.

Flat Bench Flys with dumbbells

Form : Lying back down on the bench, with feet on the ground, begin with holding dumbbells, palms facing each other above your chest. Elbows rounded please throughout the exercise.

Technique : Move the palms with the weights away from each other towards your sides. Return to starting position. The range of motion would depend on the strength and flexibility of your chest muscles. Even so, a word of caution to those that extend the arms fully – it can lead to injury. The image below shows the model extending her arms to her full capacity, but as you can see, she is in an advanced stage of fitness.

NOTE : Avoid using the heavy weights that you used during the Bench Press. Use lighter weights to avoid injury.

Incline Bench Flys : Engage the chest muscles.

Incline Bench Press with dumbbells

Form : With your back rested fully against the incline bench and feet placed firmly on the ground, hold the weights in front of you, palms facing each other.

Technique : Extend weights to your sides just as you would in Flat Bench Flys exercise, the difference being, you hold the eights in front of you and not above you. Return to starting position. The upper fibres of the chest muscles and the anterior deltoids get worked the most.

Decline Bench Flys : Engage the chest muscles.

Decline Bench Flys with dumbbells

Form : Lie down with your back rested fully on the decline bench with your feet firmly supported by the footrest. Hold the weights above your chest, palms facing each other.

Technique : Extend your arms with the weights towards your sides as much as your range of motion allows you to without locking your elbows. The middle and the lower fibres get worked. This again not recommended for beginners.

Peck Deck Flys / Seated Machine Fly : Engage the chest muscles.

This is very similar to the Flat bench Fly except that you are seated. Most suitable for beginners as the lever or the machine is fixed and therefore more controlled.

Seated Flys or Peck Deck Flys

Form : Sit with your back and hips supported firmly by the back rest pads. With feet placed firmly on the ground, hold the handles in both hands by the sides such that the elbows are soft and are at chest level. Keep your upper arms and fore-arms parallel to the floor.

Technique : Bring the handles together in front of you consciously engaging the chest muscles. Let the movement be smooth and avoid clanging the handles when they are brought together. Slowly return to the starting position. Remember to extend only as much as to feel a stretch in your pecks.

Straight Arm Dumbbell Pullover : Engage the chest muscles.

Straight Arm Pullover

Form : Lie down with your back resting on the flat bench and feet firmly on the ground. Hold a dumbbell/ dumbbells in both hands just above your chest. This exercise can be done with a barbell and plates attached, but that is for the advanced.

Technique : Extend the arms across your head in such a way that they are in line with the head. Some over-extend as in the pic above, but that depends upon their goals and fitness levels. Keep your elbows soft and do not over extend. Return to starting position. The upper fibers get worked as also the tricep muscles to a certain extent.

Cable Cross Over/ Cable Cross Press : Engage the chest muscles.

Chest Cable Crossover

Form : Stand with your hands clasping the cable pulleys on both sides. Take a step forward with one leg and lean forward.

Technique : Now bring your palms close to each other in front of you at your chest level or slightly lower, engaging or contracting your chest muscles, just as you would do in the Bench Press. Return to starting position. Remember not to extend your arms beyond the shoulders when you return to starting position.

Push Up :

The simplest of the chest exercises, it uses the body weight to give the workout. Beginners can start with pushing against the wall or a fixed bar. Stand with your legs hip width apart away from the wall and arms slightly wider than the shoulder width, palms pressed against the wall/bar. Bend the elbows and push as you gently lean forward, moving your body towards the wall/bar almost touching the surface. Remember to keep the body in a straight line. You may have to lift your heels off the ground while keeping the toes in place. Push your body back to starting position slowly.

Wall Pushups

Floor Push Up is done with your toes on the ground and your palms on the ground, slightly wider that shoulder width. With abs held tight/tucked in, bend the elbows and lower your body parallel to the floor, then push against the ground to lift it up. Keep the elbows soft, do not lock them when you raise yourself. Head, neck and the spine should all be in a straight line.

Floor Pushups

If in the beginning you find it hard to do these floor Pushups, you could try Modified Pushups as shown below.

Modified Pushups

If you are travelling or do not have access to a gym, go ahead and do this exercise. All you need is yourself and the floor or the wall.

More muscle groups in my next few posts. If you like tips on any specific exercise/muscle, do post it in your comments and I will feature it.

Wishing Wellness and Fitness. Think Fit

Chinese New Year Gifting – Make The Best Of The Red Monkey Year

January 29, 2016January 29, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 5 Comments

Hóunián jíxiáng : Good luck for this Monkey year

chinese new year red monkeys the sandalwood room

Year of the Red Monkey

What comes to my mind when I think of a monkey is that they are fun, energetic, curious and mischievous. So I guess this Chinese New Year is going to be all of that. Here’s wishing everyone a fabulous Time with family and friends in the year of the Red Monkey from The Sandalwood Room team.

The Sandalwood Room has put together lots of gifts and collectibles to make your family time during the festivities memorable. A small gesture to thank all their customers and usher in good luck for you and themselves. Step in for the Chinese New Year shopping and avail discounts on selected items.

Before you go shopping and gifting, a little trivia on why the Chinese New Years are named after animals. Legend has it that Buddha, in his times asked all the animals to meet him on the Chinese New Years day. Only twelve animals turned up. Buddha then named a year after each one and declared that people born in each animal’s year would have some of the traits of that animal ( I wish I could choose the animal or the year !!!! ). So you could be forgiven if you monkey around a bit this year !!

Chinese New Year is China’s most important traditional festival. It is also called the Spring festival. And just like a new year’s time in every other country is a time of celebration and jubilation, so is it for the Chinese, lasting for a week. An official week-long holiday from 7 to 13 February, for family feasts, fireworks, worship and gifting.

There are many interesting stories and legends that explain the start of the Chinese New Year. Click here to find out.

Red symbolises fire, and as per the Chinese legends can drive away evil and bring good luck. So people wear red clothes, decorate their homes with red festoons and give their children and the elderly red envelopes with money in them.

So here are some gift ideas in red. This year, gift these note-pads, boxes and bags. They will be cherished much after the Chinese New Year for their multi-purpose value.

gifts in red year of red monkey the sandalwood room

Gift ideas in red for the Chinese New Year of the Red Monkey

And now style your dining tables for your Chinese New Year foods, your dumplings, spring rolls, glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls with some suggestions from The Sandalwood Room. Make your Reunion Dinners special.

designer tableware for chinese new year family dinners the sandalwood room

Exclusive tableware for the Reunion Dinners

For the Lantern Festival, carry these to an evening parade under the light of the full moon or hang them to decorate your homes.

glass and iron lanterns the sandalwood room

Iron Lanterns for decoration

candle holders for worship the sandalwood room

Beautiful candle-holders for Worship

decorative goblets ceramic jar and bowls

Ceramic jar and bowls along with decorative goblets

Little kids at home add that dash of joviality to the celebrations and don’t they look forward to gifts ? They love stuffed toys and here are some.

stuffed toys reindeer and monkey the sandalwood room

Stuffed reindeer and monkey

stuffed mother baby elephants the sandalwood room

Stuffed mother and baby elephants

No shopping or festivity is complete without womens’ fashion. A sample of some simple jewelry that can be teamed with your traditional outfits or casual western wear.

beaded jewelry casual wear the sandalwood room

Chic beaded jewelry

Signing off as I gaze out onto Tras Street. Such an air of festivity and glee. Squeals of pleasure as shoppers find good deals in stores and restaurants. The first day of the Monkey Year is a week away yet, but the mood of merry-making has already set in. I guess I could do with some of it too. I shall begin with The Sandalwood Room and then step out.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Exquisite Handmade Jewelry That Makes A Style Statement

January 23, 2016February 3, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 6 Comments

Handmade and hand-knotted. This fashion jewelry looked different. It could be worn ethnic or Boho style. I was excited, it was just right for me at that moment, the Charakkam line from Mayabazar.

Exquisite handmade necklace from Mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

Exquisite handmade necklace – Zarina

There was this Literary Festival scheduled in my city and I was on a shopping spree to buy clothes and accessories, appropriate for the Lit Fest. So on my list were linen, khadi, cottons and hand-loom fabrics ; handmade accessories to go with the outfits. No, I was not being wannabe, I simply wished to blend into the ambience. I have always admired artists of all kinds and the manner in which they bring creativity even in the clothes they wear, and its nice to emulate once in a while those that you admire.

I had listed a few stores for my shopping and headed to The Sandalwood Room first as I was brunching on Tras Street. That is something I would like to write about some day, my fun day out on Tras Street. And this handmade, hand knotted jewelry caught my eye immediately in The Sandalwood Room. I wanted to grab all of them, those stunning works of art. One can always tell merely at the first glance sometimes, that tremendous thought and care has gone into designing and crafting certain items. Now look at this gorgeous necklace.

Some may think it’s too bright, but it’s just right for me. I love celebrating colours.

Exquisite handmade jewellery plume tatillone from Mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Plume Tatillone necklace

Seeing my clearly palpable excitement, Jayashree the promoter of the store fell into step with me and explained what this handmade jewelry is all about.

Charakkam is the dexterous art of hand knotting thread, weaving and encrusting into them brass, semi-precious uncut stones and metals to create stunning designs that make a statement. The threads are of either vegetable-dyed silk yarn, or cotton and each style has 24 colour options. The artisans use a mini loom known as the Charak (spinning wheel) to produce the threads, from where the jewelry gets its name. The art took birth at a place named Sultanpur in India.

Watch this video for a glimpse into the art’s technique

Some exotic neck jewelry that can be teamed with casual or party wear.

Exquisite handmade jewellery nefertiti from mayabazar, the sandalwood room

The Nefertiti necklace

Exquisite handmade jewellery Cappadocia from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Cappadocia necklace

Mayabazar, has carved for itself a niche in the world of handcrafted jewelry and accessories, producing extraordinary pieces of choker necklaces, anklets and bracelets. For those women that want to stand out and have a story to tell. And I knew why The Sandalwood Room took pride in showcasing this exquisite handmade Charakkam jewelry from Mayabazar.

Exquisite handmade bracelets, The Sandalwood Room

The handmade bracelet collection

Exquisite handmade jewellery Unbound Crown from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Unbound Crown necklace

In reviving a dying crafts-form and working with grass root level artisans, Mayabazar has taken it to a different level by infusing modern designs into the traditional art form. Particularly laudable is their effort in sensitizing and educating buyers and consumers to the nuances of the craft and in converting imperfections into unique statements.

This stunning long neck chain is the handiwork of the Lambani tribe of gypsy women.

Exquisite handmade jewellery Caravan Soul from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Caravan Soul neck-chain

At the heart of it all is another noble gesture, that of employing and empowering women, offering them opportunities in education , savings, family planning and health.

Exquisite handmade jewellery Kadambari from mayabazar, The Sandalwood Room

The Kadambari neck-chain

Jayashree after narrating the interesting story of Charakkam jewelry from Mayabazar signed off and now I was faced with the task of having to make choices and that was hard, let me tell you. I picked up a couple of pieces but made a mental note of a few others for a later date. I was eager to don the neck pieces I bought. It felt good that in buying some ‘chic’ for myself, I was also contributing to a craft that empowered women.

If you are looking for this exclusive exquisite handmade jewelry in Singapore, it is available only at The Sandalwood Room.

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. It is a boutique for those who love the finer things of life.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

How To Get Sculpted Shoulders Using The Right Muscles – Workouts

January 18, 2016January 18, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

Think Fit II Form + Weight Training = Body Sculpting

Just to recap my previous article that is a prelude to this guide on Form n Technique and using the right muscles in Weight Training, here are a few reminders. But please do read my previous article (even if you have already) to comprehend this one on using the right muscles better.

Each muscle needs to be focused on and targeted to sculpt it
Proper engagement of the right muscles required for each type of weight training exercise
I firmly believe that in order to stay fit and in shape, we have to understand fitness and not merely follow a trainers’s instructions blindly
Towards that, I would encourage readers to make out a chart for themselves from the information given here
If you have been relentlessly lifting weights for your upper body and yet there is a gap between the physique you want and your mirror image, then you better review the way you are doing weight training
Good posture is the body’s alignment with respect to gravity that we can never do away with. So posture is a given at every moment of our life, whether we are sitting, standing, moving or lying down
Resistance exercises or weight training when carried out in proper posture are more effective in toning the body and avoiding injuries
Most injuries in the gym are caused by improper posture and bad form

I had set out to detail form and technique tips for weight training for all the major muscle groups in one shot, but I can see it is going to be a really long post. So going to break it down to one muscle group per blog. Despite being into fitness for decades, I still find it hard to remember all that I read on fitness and store it appropriately. But if you are the smarter one, then you got to bear with me, for apportioning the post amongst the upper body muscles, one at a time.

Shoulders and Chest are two body parts that are of paramount importance in the way you carry yourself, both for men and women. The rest of the upper body muscles are largely dependent on how you bear these two. So we begin with shoulders.

Worked out, sculpted shoulders lend a certain dignity to your personality. Women, if you are addicted to sleeveless or off-shoulder outfits, pick up those weights and keep the following tips in mind when you work those muscles.

‘Shoulder workout’ is a layman’s way of saying ‘I am working my deltoids’. Since we are now progressing from being a layman to a better informed exerciser, deltoids it will be for most purposes.

Remember to keep your tummy tucked in at all times and stand with legs hip width apart , soft on knees.
Keep your shoulders down and relaxed at all times. Working out the muscles is quite different from tensing the muscles.

I am unable to provide videos for the workouts. If in doubt, take help from the trainers at the gym, but keep in mind these tips. The trainers may not have the time to supervise all your workouts and reps (repetitions).

Know the Deltoid (shoulder) Muscles

Deltoid Muscles , Courtesy build-muscle-101.com

Deltoids are divided into anterior (front), middle (lateral) and posterior (rear) fibers. Any shoulder workout should focus on engaging the shoulder muscles rather than loosely lifting the entire arm. Lift weights leading with your shoulders.

Primary exercises for Deltoids (the rest are variations):

Shoulder Press/ Military Press using Barbell /Dumbbell/Machine

Engage (lift) the anterior and mid deltoids.

Form : Stand with legs hip width apart, knees soft, or sit on a bench straight-backed. The best option is to sit on a seat that has an upright or an inclined back support. For dumbbells, hold them at ear level or a tad lower on both sides with your elbows pointing out. For barbell, grip the bar as shown in the figure below with palms wider than shoulder width.

dumbbell shoulder press standing, my thought lane

Shoulder/Military Press ( Standing ) , Courtesy : Picterest

Shoulder/Military Press ( Seated ), Courtesy : leanitup.com

shoulder/military press seated with barbell, my thought lane

Shoulder/Military Press with Barbell , Courtesy : Netfit

Shoulder Press Machine Seated. my thought lane

Shoulder Press Machine Seated Courtesy : bodybuilding-wizard.com

Technique : In all the versions, with palms facing forward, lift the weights slowly without locking your elbows and return to the starting position.

Lateral raise

Engage (lift) middle deltoids.

Form : Stand with legs hip width apart, knees soft, or sit on a bench straight-backed. Weights in your hands by your sides, palms facing each other. The pits of your elbows aligned at 45 degrees to your body.

Lateral Raise standing, Courtesy : popsugar.com

Lateral raise seated Courtesy : bodybuilding-wizard.com

Technique : Lift weights sideways, palms facing the ground as you lift. Do not lock the elbows but keep them soft. Lift only as high as shoulder level and return to starting position.

Front Raise

Engage (lift) anterior deltoids.

Form : Stand with legs hip width apart, knees soft, or sit on a bench straight-backed. Arms in front of the thighs with dumbbells/barbell. Pits of the elbows facing each other.

Front Raise Standing

Lateral and Front Raise Seated, My Thought Lane

Front Raise Seated , Courtesy Fitness Rx

Technique: Lift the weights in front of you, do not lock elbows and do not lift above shoulder level. Return to starting position.

Arnold Press

Engage (lift) anterior deltoids as you lift weights overhead. Engage middle deltoids when you twist your wrists to face outward.

Form : Stand with legs hip width apart, knees soft, or sit on a bench straight-backed. Hold dumbbells in front of you, elbows bent and palms facing your body and close to the body.

Arnold Press Standing, Courtesy : community.tribesports.com

Arnold Press seated, Courtesy bodybuilding.com

Technique : Lift the weights overhead without locking the elbows. You are engaging the anterior deltoids now.

Twist your arms/wrists to face the palms outward at the peak of the lift. You are now engaging the mid deltoids. Hold for a few seconds, twist your arms/wrists to let the palms face your body and return to starting position.

Upright Row

Engage (lift) middle deltoids and upper trapezius .

Please read this carefully. Upright Row best done with a barbell. Caution – Avoid using close grip as that places more load on rotator cuff, which can be injurious. Using wide grip would be the best way.

Know your Trapezius Muscles

Division of Trapezius muscles

Form : Stand with legs hip width apart, knees soft. Palms facing the body as you grip the dumbbells/barbell.

Upright Row Dumbbells, Courtesy : picterest.info

Upright Row Barbell Courtesy : leanitup.com

Technique : Slowly slide the barbell along the body i.e. close to the body, with elbows leading the movement, as they move upwards. And as the barbell is being raised, the focus shifts to middle deltoids. Return to starting position.

Shrugs :

Engage (lift) trapezius.

Form : Stand with legs hip width apart, knees soft. Dumbbells in both hands by your sides, palms facing each other. If you are using the barbell, follow the form as shown in the image below.

Dumbbell Shrug Courtesy bodybuilding-wizard.com

Barbell Shrug Courtesy myprotein.com

Technique : With dumbbells in both the hands, raise the shoulders aided by trapezius muscles towards the ears and ease them back gradually. Keep the raising and lowering controlled and gradual. Do not round the chest. The same applies to the barbell variation except that the palms face the body while gripping the barbell.

The Upright Row and Shrugs help in rectifying rounded shoulders/hunchback posture to a large extent if done properly.

There are many variations in the above exercises that advanced fitness can achieve. As you go along and get fitter, you will discover more ways of bringing variations in your workouts. But till then, it is best to follow these simple ones.

More muscle groups in my next few posts. If you like tips on any specific exercise/muscle, do post it in your comments and I will feature it.

Wishing Wellness and Fitness. Think Fit

This Sumptuous Pongal Feast at The Raintree cannot be missed.

January 15, 2016January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / Leave a comment

Vanakkam! If you are eating out this Pongal, its got to be at the ‘Colony’ restaurant in The Raintree on St Mary’s Road

In our part of the world in India we are not done with the festivities yet. It is Pongal time. The festival of harvesting is called by different names in different regions of the country, but the spirit is the same.

Most of the harvesting is done and it is time to cook up delicious meals with the fresh produce from the fields. There is a jubilant air in villages and cities alike. It is shopping time and feasting time. Above all else, it is worship time. To send up prayers of gratitude to the Sun God, the primary source of all life on earth. To acknowledge the supremacy of Mother Nature for our very existence. Not to forget the cattle that have ploughed our fields and carried our grains.

‘Harvest Feast’ welcome board

Food prepared during Pongal certainly tastes different, more delicious, from the freshness of it all. So here I was at The Raintree on St Mary’s Road to sample a few of their Pongal dishes. “Colony”, the restaurant that beckons you to its ‘Harvest’ feast delicacies is designed to give you that feel of comfort at home and towards that their arrangement of crockery drew home the point. This is just like we would stack up our plates and dishes in our dining rooms.

crockery display home style at colony, the raintree

Crockery displayed home style

Customised wall decor and bronze tiffin carriers and vessels

This décor on the walls and the shelves is not to be missed either.We sit down to pamper our palettes as the veg clear soup with tofu and noodles is served. It has its share of sliced carrots and baby corn. Yummy it is but can also be a weight watcher’s delight. Chef Umapathy explains each dish as it is brought to the table.

Two kinds of starters arrive next. Vazhaipoo Vadai (batter fried fritters made from the flower of the banana plant) with fresh coconut chutney to die for and a plate of ‘variety Kuzhi Paniyarams’. Regular plain, mint paniyaram and oats paniyaram accompanied by two kinds of chutneys – coconut and tomato types. Mouth-watering is an understatement. There 6 Kuzhi Paniyarams, two of each variety in the platter, but I have to be content with tasting only one of each. There is so much more to eat!

Vazhai poo vadas , variety Paniyaram platter

Life feels good when you sip on water after the delectables.

I ask them to pause a bit before the main course of Ven Pongal, Ezhukari Kootu and Seppankizhangu roast is served.

Ezhukari kootu

The traditional Ven Pongal is made from rice and lentils with yummy seasoning. The Ezhukari Kootu is made from seven types of vegetables freshly harvested – yam, raw banana, chayote, broad beans, green tender bean seeds ,pumpkin and colocasia. Seppankizhangu roast is of course the colocasia roasted, tempered and seasoned with spices.

Now dessert cannot be far behind. Arrives a pot of Sakkarai Pongal replete with ghee and roasted nuts topping the delicious sweet. I remember closing my eyes in an euphoria of appreciation at the very first spoonful! My Pongal lunch is done but the festival lasts for a few days and I know I can look forward to sumptuous feasts in the coming days too. Their menu listed below is exhaustive, but I have chosen to taste only so much

The ‘Harvest’ festival at Colony restaurant in Raintree Hotel is on for the weekend, from 15^th to 17^th January. Lunch timings 12 noon up to 3.30 on all the three days and dinner from 7 pm to 11 pm. All the three days will see different menus, in keeping with Pongal though, alongside their regular menu.

Colony restaurant has these Fusion Fridays where as the name suggests, a fusion of cuisines is served at dinner. Their Pickled Thayir Sadam Veg Sushi that has become the most favoured is just a sample.

Pickled thayir sadam veg sushi, colony, the raintree

Fusion style Sushi, Chef Umapathy’s recipe

This Pongal Friday however, a flavor of Pongal is going to be added to the Friday Fusion fare.

Pongal this year falls over a weekend and so a Sunday Pongal Brunch is inevitable. Their regular fare plus Pongal specialities to be savoured, choose yours.

Priced at Rs 1450 plus taxes, here goes the Pongal menu

COLONY BUFFET PONGAL MENU

Non – Vegetarian

Erachi Biryani

Kozhi Sukka

Manga Meen Kozhambhu

Moroccan beef with mash Potato

Kadai Tangri Murgh

Gosht do pyaz

Kung pao Prawn

Vegetarian

Seppakizhangu peratal

Keerai Masiyal

Ennai Kathrikkai

Mundiri paruppu masala

Ezhukari Kootu

Paneer Tikka Kurchan

Achari Bhindi

Masoor Ki Dal

Ara Nellikai Sadam

Singapore Hakka Noodle

Asian green Vegetables

Ratatouille Baked Pie

Potato Skin with Creamy Corn Filling

Soup & Starters

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Chicken Tom Yam soup

Vazhaipoo Vada

Uppu Urundai

Vada pav

Murgh Mughalai Paratha

Crumb Fried Prawn

Mac N Cheese

At-Site Counter

Paruppu Adai

Variety Pongal / vada

SALADS- 12(VEG/NON VEG)

DESSERTS- 14

3 VARIETY ICE CREAMS

4 VARIETY CUT FRUITS

Reason enough to head to The Raintree on St Mary’s Road to enjoy some authentic cuisines. You will feel pampered by the hospitable team at ‘Colony’.

The Raintree on St Mary’s Road is located at

#120, St Mary’s Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600018

Tel : 91 44 4225 2525 / 2430 4050 , Mob : 89390 21083

Why You Can Find Convenience, Art and Elegance In Hand-made Drawstring Bags

January 14, 2016January 22, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

A hand made gift elicits a wider and warmer smile almost always. And the recipient feels special. Rightfully so. Because it immediately translates into a lot of thought and care behind the gifting.

I was at the launch of hand-crafted hand bags at The Sandalwood Room and fell into conversation with the invitees. I love hand made products myself, but talking to the men AND women at the launch, got these responses to “why do you prefer ‘hand made’ over ‘mass-produced’”.

One of a kind

Specially designed

Original art

Eco-friendly

Recycled, so environment friendly

Encourage handicrafts

Support artisans

More to a product. There is love, creativity and uniqueness and it shows.

Speaks of your personality through the choice you have made.

True that. In keeping with it, I have featured a few hand crafted draw string bags from The Sandalwood Room. In India they are called Potli bags. All of them tell a tale of labour, finesse and creativity. I find them handy, convenient and elegant. They have enough room for a woman’s must-haves ; whats more important is that they are kind of hands-free. Just sling them around your forearm and you are good to go.

A stunning evening bag in red woven fabric, embellished with white bead work. The cluster of white pearl-beads adds a touch of drama and the draw strings just as pretty as the bag itself with gold coloured beads in its tassels. The inimitable kundan studs amidst the beadwork lending grandeur.

Ethnic handmade ‘Potli’ or drawstring bags

Brocaded at the top in a deep hued velvet fabric, this bag exudes charm with zardosi embroidery work in shades of gold on its base. Tiny white beads enhancing the embroidery even further. Attention to detail is evident in the gold beads in tassels of the draw strings.

Sea green or teal is a head turner colour. So is this bag for its lovely shade and the beautiful embroidered patchwork in white and silver. Teal drawstrings with pretty tassels. Padded and lined with cotton.

The aesthetically strung beads that adorn the drawstrings. Cant miss the delicately carved green beads. A sample to show how much care has gone into the fine detailing of the drawstrings in every bag.

An evening clutch in dull gold silk, embroidered in gold thread called the zardosi work, padded and lined. Magnetic buttons to snap it close and a small inner pouch.

Benares silk is sought after by every lover of silk. An evening bag in Benares silk with raw-silk borders attached. Embroidered with white silk and silver thread, the drawstrings glisten silver. Raw silk and pearl tassels giving it a touch of class. Padded and lined with cotton for better support. The pretty pink peeping out from the insides at the top makes it so much more attractive.

This bag can be both casual as well as formal. Bands of pink and red silk at the top with Tanchoi silk at the bottom. Silver embroidered flowers adding elegance. The drawstrings made of gold shaded fabric with printed silk and beads as tassels. Padded and lined with cotton and a closer look will reveal gold braid edging. Riot of colours yet very appealing.

This bag is made from two kinds of silk, Benares silk in dull gold at the top and raw silk strips underneath. The violetish blue band is embroidered zardosi style and inlaid with ‘Gota‘ gold fabric. The red silk fabric drawstrings end in tassels with gold beads capped in raw silk fabric. Padded and lined with cotton.

For all those lovers of nude shades. An evening bag in dull gold Benares silk. The hand-embroidery with sequins and pearls making it glamorous. Silver hued drawstrings to compliment the white pearl-beads with gold beads at the tassels. Padded and lined with cotton.

If you have liked any of these products , walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Magical Sandalwood Can Calm And Soothe Mind And Body

January 9, 2016January 18, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 4 Comments

The very word ‘sandalwood‘ conjures up a feeling of calm and cool, bringing back with it memories of childhood, when sandalwood paste was applied on our foreheads at an auspicious ceremony. Mothers and grandmothers applied it on certain kinds of minor wounds too after cleaning them thoroughly. And a feeling of wellness pervaded as the fragrance of the sandalwood paste wafted into the air filling our olfactory nerves. As children we thought it was a magical potion from the heaven.

Not just in temples, such sandalwood Ganeshas adorn many a working desk in India and many other countries

But yes, it is a magical potion from a different heaven. The one to whom we owe our very existence, Mother Nature. We knew as children that sandalwood is revered, with its unmistakable presence in temples, during festivals and at ceremonies. Our amazement doubled when we learned during early schooling that this magical potion is derived from a tree, the ‘sandalwood tree’. I remember vividly how an over inquisitive fellow student, or should we say precocious, wanted to know how fragrance was being added to the wood, only to be told that the wood was naturally fragrant.

We were then told of its antiseptic properties and it made sense why the paste had been applied on some of our wounds. Later in life we learnt how much more precious sandalwood is, with its healing properties as an anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, disinfectant, emollient, expectorant, hypotensive, memory booster, sedative and a tonic substance.

This blog post is the result of a question I had posed to The Sandalwood Room team on the choice of their name. In response to that, they showed me the sandalwood tree image specially created for them and a short succinct description.

The sandalwood tree for The Sandalwood Room

Sandalwood is exotic and rare and its products precious and special. The wood of the tree is fragrant, heavy, fine-grained and retains its fragrance for decades. Gifts made of sandalwood show care, thought, style and the unspoken nature of a special relationship.

Sandalwood oil extracted from the wood has been highly valued as a fragrance for millennia across religions (for use in rituals and places of worship) and cultures (as medicine, cosmetics and fragrance). The Indian sandalwood is a threatened species indigenous to south India. Apart from its religious and cultural uses, sandalwood products are well-known to have a calming effect and are used during meditation and in aroma therapy.

And that explains how the products at The Sandalwood Room have been curated with so much care and thought, to personal styles and environment. Adding a mark of distinction. Just like the fragrance of the sandalwood that lasts for decades and is most coveted, the products of The Sandalwood Room are also sought after for their longevity and beauty of being handcrafted.

I feel like adding a note on sandalwood here to highlight why the wood is so precious. So, here goes:

The Indian sandalwood is the most highly prized to be followed by the Australian variety.

But sandalwood and its by products are becoming rare and expensive. Here is why : The trees are difficult to propagate and must grow for at least 40-80 years old to become suitable for harvesting. Specialists say 80 years is preferred – the older the tree, better the quality of the wood and its aroma. Nature has made the trees sturdy and resilient and they may live up to a good 100 years.

Oil extracted from such matured trees through steam distillation, is highly valued and used as an additive in fragrances, cosmetics, soaps (back in India, we have the popular Mysore Sandal Soap which comes highly recommended for children and the mild fragrance still lingers in my nostrils), talcum powders, incense sticks and many other life-style enhancing products. Hydro-distillation is another age-old method of distillation and is known to give even more superior quality oil.

The most precious part of the tree is the heartwood and the best heartwood comes from its roots. Older the trees, more the heartwood and better the quality of oil that can be extracted (of course the experience of the distiller and superior distillation process being a given).

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore. I did a bit of recce around certain shopping areas of Singapore and I discovered that, yes, true to their claims, The Sandalwood Room is a boutique with sublime inspirations of carefully selected fashion wear, jewellery, home décor and designer wear. Mostly handmade. In a lovely conservation shophouse on Tras Street,in the vibrant Tanjong Pagar district of Singapore. A boutique you can step into and linger for a respite; pause, away from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. Escape the ordinary as you step in and forget yourself.

It’s a place for those who love the finer things of life, who look for the detail, someone who goes beyond the ordinary. A place to stop by and suspend reality. Just to envelope yourself in a room full of creative possibilities in the sheer joy of shopping. Their product categories are ‪Fashion and Fashion Accessories, Jewellery, Home Decor and Accessories, Art and Books, Gifts and Collectibles.

If you have liked any of the products from the store, walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Of Candles, Lamps And Copper Enhancing ‘Praying’

December 31, 2015January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

As a child I used to wonder every time a lamp was being lit before the commencement of any worship or ritual. But I never asked why. People around me made it appear like lighting the lamp was akin to pleasing God.

Have you tried praying or worshipping sans a lit lamp or a candle? I have and it feels kind of bare and disconnected. I have prayed from the seat of a car, in an elevator, in bed and from the washroom even, but it feels different and certainly more satisfying, when I light a lamp in the room of worship and pray. Of course it goes without saying that one can connect to God from wherever and whenever, but ambience does help!

And then one day as I sat watching my mother light oil lamps at worship time, the surge of positivity and energy that emanated from the warm glow of the lamp illuminated my mind too! The lit lamp had become a tool in helping me calm down, drawing me into a state of serenity and allowing my mind to connect and pray to the Higher Power. A little later in life, I figured out the energy of fire, and lamps and candles have since then become a part of my life.

A small prayer said while lighting a candle that struck me as being truly meaningful.

Hurricane lamp copper base the sandalwood room

Copper based Hurricane Lamp

O Blessed Lord, accept this burning candle as a sign of my faith and love for you.

Like this candle, I am ready to be used in your service, without asking why and to what purpose.

Even as this candle, I wish to stand in your presence to be consumed in the light and warmth of
your love.

Please hear my prayer and, if it be your will, grant my petition.
Above all, make me loyal and faithful to you in all circumstances of my life.
Amen.

flower and candle floaters copper The Sandalwood Room

Copper ‘flower and candle floaters’ in different sizes

Just like we can never have enough clothes, shoes and handbags, so are most of us perennially shopping for lamps and candles. You can buy some from The Sandalwood Room like the ones in the pictures. The flower-and-the-candle-floaters caught my fancy; you may like them too. Flowers, candles and copper make it perfect holistically. If flowers and candles invoke a feeling of well-being, copper only adds to it with its healing and protective properties, being associated as the body metal. Its reddish-orangish-brownish hue only enhancing it further.

The Worship Tray

A friend at the store put together a copper tray and added these little copper boxes with floral patterns on the top and called it the ‘Worship Tray’. She said she would insert round candles into the boxes and give the ensemble out as a gift. Nice idea, I thought.

The Meditation Bowl

The Sandalwood Room calls this a meditation bowl. Sit in a quiet place, float a few flowers and candles, add a few drops of essential oils and let the soothing ambience lead you into a meditative mood.

In Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s own words, “You don’t need to believe in any God. It need not even be dark, the lamp need not be a visual aid, but do you notice it makes some kind of a difference? This is because the moment you light a lamp, not the flame itself but around the flame a certain etheric sphere will naturally happen.

Where there is an etheric sphere, communication will be better. Did you ever sit around a campfire in your life? If you did, you would have seen that stories told around the campfire always have the maximum impact on people. Have you noticed this? The storytellers of yore understood this – stories told around the campfire are always the most effective stories. Receptivity will be at its best.

Fire in itself is a source of enery and life. It also creates a field of energy around itself, and above all it creates the necessary atmosphere. So when you light a lamp before you start your day, it is because you want to bring the same quality into yourself. It is symbolism; it’s a way of invoking your own inner nature”.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of Isha Foundation, is a yogi and profound mystic of our times, a visionary humanitarian and a prominent spiritual leader.

And on the other side of the spectrum, we have candle light dinners ; lamps and candles decorating dinner tables at restaurants and party spaces, the mood at once turning romantic. I have also not failed to notice, just as you would have too, that we all look prettier, handsomer in the soft glow of the yellow light!!

So then what better way than prayers to bid good-bye to 2015 and ring in 2016? And what better way than to light a lamp or a candle to begin that conversation with the Higher Power? These could be some thoughtful gifts for the New Year.

Copper Boxes Fauna

The Sandalwood Room, Hurricane lamp with carton

The Hurricane Lamp

If you loved these products, walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

Nearly everything in The Sandalwood Room is exclusive and hand crafted. In fact, it’s the only one of it’s kind in Singapore.

The Sandalwood Room wishes you a very Happy New Year. We are so glad to be a part of spreading cheer to your near and dear ones.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room