Supal Desai

02/01/2024

2024. Here’s what I’m going to do this year:
• Read at least 12 (fiction) books
• Continue to lean out and set some rowing PRs
• Make a big adult purchase
• Become the most badass PMM ever
• Several US trips + 2 (maybe 3) international trips
• Continue to set boundaries

Happiest of new years to everyone who made 2023 a positively memorable one!

#2024

28/12/2023

Spiced with North African flavors that bring on woody and earthy notes alongside floral and sweet hints. This bowl of comfort is perfect for the post-Christmas stomach...

A vegan recipe full of flavor because it's Veganuary! This time I'm making an aubergine stew packed with nutrients and flavor + it's easy!

21/12/2023

Looking back at the archives and here's a festive one from my life in Scotland!

I'm sharing my favorite and unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets. Also, including tips and ideas for your visit!

19/12/2023

It's no secret that I'm a hot chocolate lover. Here are three ways I make them!

I always find that this time of the year is when people relapse into their own ways or the ways we were once used to during the Christmas holidays...

18/12/2023

Take a virtual tour of Vienna's Christmas markets!

Your guide to Christmas in Vienna from exploring Christmas markets, Shonbrunn Palace, Vienna hotels, where to eat in Vienna and everything in between.

16/12/2023

That time of the year is upon us. My high street is strung with twinkling lights and the last few Christmas trees are left on the sidewalk. The supermarket is consumed with holiday music in which everyone hums along. The bread aisle is replaced with mince pies and Christmas pudding. I’m not mad about it. Though I don’t have a Christmas tree this year, I decided to get a pine-scented candle and a few twinkling lights, and I’m not mad about it. One thing I had been dying to experience was a proper Christmas afternoon tea in London. It doesn’t have to be completely decked with seasonal treats, but a Christmas afternoon tea in London could definitely help further spark that festive magic! https://www.supaldesai.com/blog/2015-12-14-christmas-afternoon-tea-in-london

One thing I noticed though was that I haven’t really done many Christmas-sy things here in London aside from Winter Wonderland and walking around Oxford and Regents Street. Ice skating drinking champagne, making mince pies, and cooking up a turkey meal are on my list for the next several days. Another thing on the Christmas list that I recently checked off was a Christmas afternoon tea and the one at Hotel Cafe Royal did not disappoint. The ambiance, the mince pies, and the rich flavors were all perfect!

If you're visiting London during the festive season, you won't be disappointed! One thing you have to do is Hotel Cafe Royal's Christmas afternoon tea!

14/12/2023

If there was one thing I learned about my trip after reviewing my Stuttgart travel guide is that I want to do more city breaks that incorporate day trips. Stuttgart is one of those cities that is so easily connected to so many other towns with a strong history and identity. If you’re looking for Stuttgart day Trips, there are plenty, but I’m highlighting three that I truly enjoyed during the winter and festive season. I’d love to know if you have any other suggestions for Stuttgart day trips and hopefully, I will be back to visit again soon! So, here are three Stuttgart day trips perfect for the festive season!

With the advice of some Germans on my travels, I've curated a list of the 3 most enjoyable places that make for an ideal day trip from Stuttgart!

12/12/2023

An eton mess recipe is a staple in most British households, so it only deems appropriate to introduce Americans to such a delicacy. I decided to make a wintery eton mess recipe that brings in the warmth of spices and natural sweetness from the pears and cranberry. My eton mess recipe calls for ginger roasted pears, spiced cranberry chutney, and rosemary walnuts that add a freshness to the marriage that is meringue and cream! There are lots of flavors and textures in this eton mess recipe, and it makes it an easy recipe to make ahead!

A classic British Summer dessert recipe with an Autumn twist! This Eton mess recipe is a crowd favorite and perfect for making ahead and feeding a crowd!

12/12/2023

This chai-spiced mulled wine is then a warm glass of comfort and celebration. It commemorates the festive season, a special moment, and big achievements.

A seasonal drink recipe with a chai twist! Serve up the best mulled wine of the year at your holiday party. Plus a review of the best wine purifier I've used.

09/12/2023

I didn’t read much about the town of Carcassonne and didn’t even look at instagram for inspiration. It was one of the best experiences because I decided I would use this opportunity to just ask locals about what to see, do, eat, drink and enjoy. This Carcassonne travel guide includes my tips and what I did, but also incorporates what some of the local advice as well. And if you think I should add something to my Carcassonne travel guide, then please leave it in the comments!

I'm sharing my Carcassonne travel guide with tips, tricks and advice on how to enjoy the UNESCO heritage site both as a tourist and as a local!

07/12/2023

Since living in Scotland, I’ve collected quite an arsenal of blanket scarves. And though I enjoy the bundled-up warm, cozy feeling, I can’t help but crave a polished look. I think I’m nearing more blanket scarves than socks at this point in my wardrobe and so I thought I would share how I’m deciding to style a blanket scarf through autumn and the rest of the year for a “hopefully” more complete look that can help turn any ordinary outfit into something a bit different. Here are three ways I style a blanket scarf these days.

Styling and sharing three outfits using a blanket scarf for three different occasions. Perfect for all seasons and settings! Click over to check them out!

05/12/2023

Since living in Scotland for a year, there has not been a day without me thinking about all the fun I had with friends celebrating all the historical traditions of St. Andrews and enjoying the fruits that Scotland had to offer. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know so much about Scotland and its culture, which involves an overwhelming amount of great food and drinks. One experience that stayed with me was getting to know and appreciate scotch whisky. I didn’t have the palate for Scotch, and after going to a few Scotch Whisky tastings, I’ve come to love the experience around it all as I finally built the tongue and maturity to drink and enjoy it. Before I dive into how to host a Scotch whisky tasting, you need to know a bit about the drink.

After living in Scotland, I've come to appreciate Scotch whisky. I've put together a straight-forward guide to help you host a Scotch whisky tasting experience!

04/12/2023

We flew to Manila, after spending some time in the Malaysian rainforest where primates outnumbered the amount of humans we saw. It wasn’t the worst situation really and kind of nice to be cut off from the world to truly embrace what I was sent out to Southeast Asia to do, create content. Manila felt entirely too overwhelming for me. Far too many people and the security is unnecessarily intimidating. At first glance, I didn’t want to be there, but as we eased into the city, it made it all worth it.

We flew in Manila, after spending some time in [the Malaysian rainforest where primates outnumbered the amount of humans we saw. It wasn't...

02/12/2023

When I lived in London and went to university abroad, there was always a motivation inside me that pushed me to find inspiring places to work. From old university libraries featured in Harry Potter to national archives and bright, coffee-perfumed cafes, these spaces made work tolerable and enjoyable. Bouncing from furnished flats and corporate housing, I knew that moving back to America, where I would have a little more stability, meant that I had a blank canvas in my hands. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably notice the beautiful places I had the opportunity to work out of. From writing dissertations, applying for jobs, or starting my own business–it was always an adventure!

Discover inspiring workspace ideas and essential accessories for productivity. Create a comfortable, stylish home office setup that is colorful and functional today!

30/11/2023

When it comes to indulging in the rich tapestry of South Asian cuisine, few dishes can compare to the mouthwatering delight of chicken biryani. This fragrant, flavorful, and aromatic dish has captivated taste buds around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the secrets to making the perfect chicken biryani, share some expert tips, and dive into the fascinating history of this beloved culinary masterpiece. To be honest, this wasn’t a dish I grew up with a lot, but one that often was ordered to indulge in celebrations. Chicken biryani sits at the core of South Asian cuisine and expands into many countries in the region. Families and regions have their own techniques, spice mixes, and styles. This is just one that my mom would make on very, very rare occasions.

Discover the secrets of perfect Chicken Biryani: Aromatic, flavorful, and rich. Learn how to make the ultimate biryani at home. Taste the magic!

28/11/2023

It was about a month and a half ago did I put down a new client’s paperwork and realized that I was stuck on a hamster wheel. I continue to move as quickly and efficiently as I can without a break. I needed a break, and with that, an easy break. A holiday that didn’t require too much fuss and hassle and so I searched for what I wanted. I needed to escape the country because the countryside just seemed like an extension of London. And so Paris was on my mind. Since I had already visited Paris for the weekend before, I thought an autumnal escape where people-watching and sipping wine were priorities. I deserved a luxurious weekend in Paris! When I woke up Friday morning it felt a bit too easy for me to fall out of routine for the day and not look at my inbox. I got on the train, leaving the city, into one tunnel and out of the next, and soon my roaming switched on. I was in another country without my responsibilities or obligations, and instead with the motivation to indulge during a luxurious weekend in Paris.

Sharing a guide for a romantic and luxurious weekend in Paris is the one you want to invest in with palatial hotels, top restaurants, and local secrets!

27/11/2023

I spent most of 2020 trying to figure out the direction I wanted to take my independence, which I defined as being and feeling empowered to do more to build a stronger backbone for myself so I can take on challenges. Last year, however, I came to a halt. Most people I’m surrounded by don’t go abroad for almost a decade and that puts you in several vulnerable situations, that I survived and learned from. Being at home and entering this new stage in my life (my 30s) I knew I needed to take hold of my personal finances and understand it thoroughly. Before you read through these financial mistakes to avoid in your 20s and my financial experiences, take a moment to read about my 2021 word of the year as this is the first installment of that to help my stay accountable. https://www.supaldesai.com/blog/2021-04-05-6-financial-mistakes-to-avoid-in-your-20s

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed financial professional and am only sharing my experience from what I have learned. All information is derived from my experiences, opinions, and the opinions of contributors.

Sharing the start of my financial journey as a woman of color and outlining 6 financial mistakes to avoid in your 20s + tangible steps to get started!

25/11/2023

Moments from an Autumnal feast whilst I lived abroad...

Coming back to London after spending a little too long in India definitely gave me the reverse culture shock experience that I wasn’t really expecting...

23/11/2023

Calling all wine and cheese enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a casual cheese connoisseur, there’s one thing we can all agree on the joy of pairing a fine wine with exquisite cheese. In this ultimate wine and cheese gift guide, I’ve curated a selection of perfect pairings for every occasion. It wasn’t until lockdown a couple of years ago that I took the opportunity to plunge into a charcuterie trend that was taking a storm and try a few pairings. I got fancy and decided to share with my parents who absolutely loved the Friday evening experience. So it was only natural to put pen to paper, or fingertips on keyboards, to put together a wine and cheese lovers gift guide for all special occasions. Whether you’re looking for the ideal gift or planning a memorable wine and cheese experience, I’ve got you covered.

Discover the perfect wine and cheese pairings for any occasion with our Ultimate Gift Guide. Includes a very of price points and tasting experiences!

21/11/2023

This seemed appropriate to post right about now...

A simple winter outfit featuring South West Ten and Fairfax and Favor, two iconic British brands! British style techniques with British sass in one look!

20/11/2023

The butter blend of the beans and roasted butternut squash with the earthiness of the sage and the saltiness of the smoked pancetta. It's the perfect Autumn marriage.

Combining my favorite autumnal flavors and whipping up a roasted butternut squash dip that is perfect for parties or lunch with my Ninja Blender.

18/11/2023

I have officially switched out my summer closet for my autumn/winter closet and as much as I thought I would be brokenhearted about it, I always associate the Fall season as a time to re-energize, reassess my goals, and treat myself to a few things for the cooler season. Compared to the last, this year has been a lot busier. I have some exciting projects in the works and a few trips I’m looking forward to. To prepare for Fall I wanted to put together an autumn shoe guide that fit the trend and met my needs in being sturdy, stylish, and great for my feet.

A basic checklist of your go-to autumn shoes with some outfit inspiration and ideas on how to wear each style. A collaboration in partnership with Naturalizer.

16/11/2023

It wasn’t until my mid-20s did I realized how special and sensitive skin can actually be. It is our biggest organ and though resilient, can be destroyed in a snap. I went through a year of some serious hormonal changes that caused acne, uneven skin, and lots of rosacea. Immediately, I booked an appointment with a family friend who luckily is also a dermatologist and we started a series of topical treatments and focused more on lifestyle changes.

Rosewater has long been used by ancient civilizations in food and beauty and rightfully so! The antioxidants and antibacterial properties make rosewater an ideal all-natural product to use in your skincare.

The BEST 8 ways to use rosewater for healthy and glowing skin. Plus tips and advice on how to select the best rosewater without paying too much!

14/11/2023

As you know, I’ve been traveling tremendously over the last few years and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. So, this year I thought I would share a bit of a combination post. I’m highlighting everything I definitely need, use, and want(ed)—here is my holiday gift guide for 2018, but more specifically practical gifts for travelers.

I’m not one to share a holiday gift guide actually, but this year was a bit of an exception. This year, I completed a series of milestones that brought...

13/11/2023

This may come off as the most passive-aggressive blog post to date, but honestly, I have been wanting to write this blog post just for personal reference when things become tough and I become more of a jerk in times of distress. I would say that the last year was my true “growing” years as I kickstarted my business and jumped into a whirlwind of operations, processes, networking, and proper adulting.

I remember going through a moment in my new flat in January, where I sat on the floor of the kitchen fixing my hand mixer and realizing that I actually hit peak adulthood. My energy goes towards things that uplift me and those closest to me, I invest in my knowledge and what will help me grow and I seek opportunities and experiences rather than possessions. Most important, however, is acknowledging that you always have room to grow and improve. Here are a few life skills every adult should master!

My list of life skills that every adult should master to get through life fairly seamlessly. This is the perfect read for new college students.

04/11/2023

What to wear to an Indian wedding: All your questions answered and some links too!

A guide on what to wear to an Indian wedding even if you don't have Indian clothes. Plus a list of online retailers to get some traditional wear!

02/11/2023

I hope these gift guides serve as an inspiration to make your holiday gift-giving a little less stressful and something that everyone on your list will love.

Gift Guides

31/10/2023

I can’t believe the season for cozy evenings, thick jumpers, and mince pies is here! I do love the festive season because I feel that everyone has a bit of a pep in their step. Though my holiday season is going to be a tad bit warmer, I still love that this time of the year brings people together in some capacity. Since I’m home, my parents decided to host all our closest family friends to spend an evening with us. I grew up with my parents throwing holiday parties. We don’t necessarily celebrate a particular holiday around this time of the year, but we love just getting together for some festive foods we would most definitely need an occasion for. Each year, no matter where I am, I try to reorganize my closet and give my home a few cozy touches just to get into and ready for the festive season. So, here’s my list of what I’ve been eyeing and you should be looking out for!

Your one-stop for everything you need to know on how to prepare for the festive season! From lists, outfit ideas, and home decor, you won't need anything else!

30/10/2023

I remember my senior year in college, Halloween weekend was the most important social time of the year. Costumes took careful planning, a beauty look for Halloween was sorted, and roommates dressed in pairs. The weekend meant prepping for multiple characters and outfits. Though Halloween is something I haven’t really embraced since my college days I try to embrace a little bit of it. Maybe in the future, but this year I was invited to a little gathering that will celebrate all things autumn and ghoulish moments sans costume because it’s a more professional setting. I decided to still embrace the Halloween spirit and translate a beauty look for Halloween that is ghoulish and glam!

A beauty look for Halloween made with everyday makeup. This beauty look for Halloween is easy, glamorous, and perfect for anyone who isn't trying too much!

28/10/2023

Looking at this blog, I feel confident saying that my photography skills have grown exponentially. When a follower tells me they can spot my photography from a mile away, I know I’ve finally created a style that works. I know I’m not an artist behind the camera, but I feel comfortable with the equipment I use today. Knowing that I never knew how to use a technical camera just means that I have truly grown. Since I’m just your average photographer taking shots for myself and my blog, I thought I would share some photography tips for beginners. It doesn’t matter if you have a DSLR, iPhone, or mirrorless camera, I just hope these photography tips for beginners help you as they’ve helped me build my signature style! https://www.supaldesai.com/blog/2014-06-24-my-photography-tips-for-beginners-camera-gear