Help at Hand

CLEAN SWEEP:
If you are the kind who keeps putting off a visit to the dry-cleaner,there’s help at hand. Mohali-based DrycleanersOnline,a dry-cleaning pickup and delivery service,are just a call and click away. “After running offices in Australia ,Mumbai and New Delhi ,we tapped into the Punjab market for there is a huge demand here,” tells Sanjeev Vasist. He has a team of 70 catering to the tri-city. Started in 2006,the company dry-cleans everything,from garments,carpets to woollens and furniture. “The new-age consumer is very demanding and often,hard-pressed for time,so we provide convenient and easy-to-use online Internet services,” he says. One can request the service any time of the day,and get orders picked up at a starting price of Rs 200 for clothes and Rs 150 per sofa seat.

Contact: http://www.drycleanersonline.in. 0172-5030503

HEAVY PETTING:
For a pet-proud city like Chandigarh ,nothing compares to having a dog trainer come home to train the beloved pooch. In the business for 15 years now,trainer Gajender Negi finds it more convenient to drop by the owner’s house because not only do the dogs feel comfortable in a familiar set-up,but the owner picks up pointers too. “One has to start training a dog when it is five months old,” says Negi,who charges Rs 3,000 a month. Each training period lasts for two to three months,depending on whether it’s for a dog show or regular grooming.

Another veteran in this field,Shiv Kaushal,who has worked for over two decades in this sector,has a pick-up van for the dogs. “Just like kids go to school,we too pick and drop dogs for their classes,” he says. Kaushal also takes classes at owners’ homes. Pick-up services cost Rs 200 per month for shorter distances and Rs 1,000 per month for far-off places. The training classes range start at Rs 4,000 a month,and those at home cost Rs 6,000 a month. Training for dog shows cost extra.

Contact: Shiv Kaushal: dogsplay.net; 9815007448.

Gajender Negi: Sector 16 Get Well Dog Clinic in the inner market; 9815864021.

COOL CUTS:
Do you find a visit to the salon,with its whirring blow dryers and harsh lights,a stressful affair? If appointments and waiting in queues irk you,then call for the young duo of stylists,Gurjeet Singh aka Gary and Rohit Vij. The two specialises in hair care and styling and their services range from a haircut and rebonding,to colouring,straightening and even hair spa sessions. “We realised that an increasing number of people find hair services at salons very expensive. Also,you need to come in to a salon with a lot of time on hand,” mentions Gary who trained in Hong Kong . Given the fact that two arrive at your doorstep,the prices are rather economical. “Salons charge Rs 400 to Rs 500 for a hair cut while we charge Rs 150. Also we use all branded products which customers can see for themselves,” assures Singh. Specialised services like rebonding cost Rs 3,000. The two don’t charge extra for home service.

Contact: 9878389747/9814253187

DOSA AT YOUR DOORSTEP:
Hosting a party at home can be a tedious affair. Menus need to be planned out,crockery has to be aired and the toughest part — cooking — involves slogging out in the kitchen for a couple of hours,at least. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you are planning to host a do at home with a minimum guest list of 20 people,then here’s help. Sundaram’s,the south Indian specialist in Sector 26 is offering a unique at home service. Just book for a party a day in advance and the restaurant will send in their chefs at home to whip up dosas and vadas live. “Dosas taste best fresh and crisp. We offer multiple menus to choose from too,” says owner S Sundaram . Priced between Rs 175 to Rs 250 per head,all dishes arrive fresh from the base kitchen. “All the utensils and cooking ingredients are provided by us and if required,we can also arrange for disposable cutlery and plates,” he adds.

Contact: 9316017509

BEJEWELLED:
More than the wedding itself,it’s the run-up to the D-day that’s exciting for a bride-to-be. Putting together a trousseau can be both fun as well as a challenging task. But if you are someone who likes things customised to taste,then jewellery designers Manisha and Saurabh Mody who own the label Angaaraa can be of assistance. Although the two are Mumbai-based,the Modys travel extensively across the country to work out jewellery options for the entire family. “We work on appointments only and have in the past designed jewellery not just for a trousseau,but for the bride’s entire family,” mentions Saurabh. The two also hold private viewing sessions.

Contact: 09821025832; saurabh@angaaraa.net

BREATHE EASY:
If getting up at the break of dawn and heading to the local community centre to do yoga with scores of other people is not your idea of a great start to a healthy day,you can breathe easy. The Fitness and Yoga studio has a team of certified instructors who will train you at your home. “Flexible schedules and individual attention is what most people look for in an exclusive class and of course,they save the hassle of driving. Besides,there are many who want to do yoga with their family and not others,” explains Anil Juneja. The cost varies between Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000. Classes can be customised according to the physical and mental needs of a person and counselling is also available for weight loss,pains and diseases.

Contact: 09888215102

BOOK MARK:
The Browser in Sector 8 has an exclusive service for its Leo and Magnum card members in the tri-city,wherein any book of their choice,new or old is sent home. “They can check the list online and can call up the librarian to place an order. With the mercury on the rise,we know we’re going to be busy this summer,’’ smiles Pankaj P Singh of the store.

Contact: 0172-2547350

HEALTH FOOD:
He’s a savvy IT professional,who gave up working in the US to grow organic vegetables and fruits near Chandigarh . Now,Gaurav Sahai’s organic brand Sattva is intent on spreading the word. Sahai and his team personally deliver everything from veggies to fruits,pulses to chutneys at a time of your convenience. Sahai sends out emails and sms-s every week to his small network of friends,telling them of the stuff they have on hand,and organising farm visits and regular get-togethers of organic enthusiasts. The response has been encouraging. “Now,the natural progression seems to have a small outlet that sells these stuff for a few hours on three days a week. The home delivery is taxing,but works fabulously,” says Sahai.

Contact: 09317560607

MOVE IT:
They promise to help you dance away your blues and get fit too. Max and Jasleen of Feel the Beat,a dance academy,have slots dedicated to groups as well as individual learners. They teach hip-hop,jazz,pop,modern dance et al. “These are great for children,as well as people who don’t want to commute,” says Max. Group classes cost Rs 1,500 and personal lessons come at Rs 2,500.

Contact: 09888072455