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Turning Passions into Professions: Ann Benjamin

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FWD Life Turning passions into professions Ann Benjamin (1)

Ranging from cooking to acting, Ann Benjamin has a myriad of passions she has turned into professions. FWD caught up with the multitalented lady to know more about her latest ventures

Words by Fathima Abdul Kader    Photographs from Various Sources

With a loving family and a 4-year-old son in tow, Ann Benjamin has a great number of feats to her name. The true blue Kochiite is adept at juggling many roles and has even acted in a few movie roles. FWD caught up with Ann in light of her latest achievement – a cookbook of 100 recipes.

Delectable tales

Ann has always been one for meeting any opportunity that comes her way with all her might. She confesses that she never went looking, but always said yes to opportunities that were presented to her and gave it her all. Her venture- A’s Chocolate Factory is turning three soon, and she started that venture as a way to dabble in something that piqued her interest, but she was soon providing it to suppliers and got great response. Her interest in baking paved her way to anchoring a TV show. When she was approached by a publisher to write her book ‘Cakes & Muffins’, she was beside herself and worked on it intently. While she didn’t have a history of writing, the publishers helped her figure out the right way to write her book. The 100 page book includes 45 types of cakes, 20 cupcake recipes, and 35 different frostings. When asked why one should pick up her book, Ann said “all of the recipes in my book use ingredients that are commonly available do not involve any complex techniques and is written in very simple language”. Keeping in mind the amateurs, Ann has made sure to even include quick mug cake recipes.

FWD Life Turning passions into professions Ann Benjamin (2)

Multifaceted wonder

In addition to her food related ventures, Ann also owns Sanchi – an online jewelry shop, in which she sells handpicked jewelry pieces that she collects while on her travels. In addition to all of these, she has also recently been cast in a movie and is hoping to focus on movies this year. When asked about how she manages to juggle so many things, Ann said she starts off her day with a workout, followed by the usual hustle and bustle one would have with a family and then she gets into her day and always makes time for her family, no matter what commitments she may have. During the conversation, Ann confessed her love for Nigella Lawson and that it would be a dream coming true if she could bake a chocolate cake with Nigella, somewhere down the road.

Must try Recipes

  • White Chocolate Cake
  • Strawberry Cake
  • Cheese Pound Cake
  • Moist Banana Cake
  • Molten Lava
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Spotlight

Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

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Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

 Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira. 

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

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Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.

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